Types of Burning | Burn Day | Rules & Regulations | Permit Burning | Prescribed Burning | About Smoke & Health
In 2018, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department and Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District announced changes that affect permitted pile burns. See News Release and Informational Postcard (opens in a new tab) for more information.
On November 21, 2025 the Santa Barbara County Fire Department and Air Pollution Control District issued a news release about the burn permit program and safety tips.
Permit Burning
- A burn permit is required for all outdoor burning activity except recreational (campfires) and cooking (BBQ). This includes:
- Agricultural Burning (see definition (opens in a new tab))
- Bonfire
- Fire Hazard Reduction Burning
- Residential Dry Vegetation (Backyard) Burning
- Right-Of-Way Burning
- Contact your local Fire Station to obtain a burn permit
- Eligibility for burn permits and the types allowed can be found on the Santa Barbara County Fire Department Burn Permit Information Map (opens in a new tab)
- Burn permit requirements can be found in the Santa Barbara County Fire Burn Permit Instructions (opens in a new tab)
- A burn permit may be used ONLY on a Burn Day
Best Practices and Safety Tips
- Burn permits are required for pile burning
- It is illegal to burn trash
- Always burn safely and with consideration for your neighbors
- If you are concerned about smoke from open burning, view the Register an Air Pollution Complaint (opens in a new tab)webpage
- Active pile burn permits can be viewed at the Santa Barbara County Fire Department Burn Day Status Map (opens in a new tab)