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FIRE SEASON BEGINS/BACKYARD BURN SEASON IS NOW CLOSED
Backyard Burning is the open burning of yard wastes by single family households or duplex residents. Backyard burning green waste burn piles include dry weeds, plant prunings, shrubbery, tree trimmings and branches. Burning of this material creates particulate matter and air pollution that can cause numerous health effects such as coughing, headaches or respiratory problems.
To protect public health, the APCD Board approved revisions in 2000 to the general burning rule (Rule 501) which phased out backyard burning of green waste material in developed areas of San Luis Obispo County. Focusing on urbanized areas of the County, the backyard burning restrictions apply to regions where green waste alternatives are available.
The cities and communities listed below are currently prohibited from the open burning of green waste materials:
| Arroyo Grande * | Santa Margarita | |
| Atascadero * | San Miguel | |
| Avila Beach | Shandon | |
| Black Lake | Jardine | |
| Cambria | Nipomo | |
| Cayucos | Morro Bay | |
| Creston | Oceano | |
| Edna / Los Ranchos | Paso Robles | |
| Garden Farms | Templeton | |
| Heritage Ranch | Whitley Gardens | |
| San Luis Obispo | Woodlands | |
| San Simeon Acres |
* Please contact the Fire Departments of Arroyo Grande and Atascadero for information on their special fire hazard burn programs.
Parcels within the SLO County Urban and Village Reserve Lines (URL/VRL) areas listed above are ineligible for backyard burn permits. Use the map below to see if you are in a burning prohibition area.
Burn Season is: CLOSED
Backyard Burn Season usually runs from November 1st to April 30th of the following year.
On permissive burn days the following restrictions apply:
The California Air Resources Board, California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention (CAL FIRE) and the APCD designate permissive burn days. Call the APCD Burn Line at (800) 834-2876 to find out if the current day is a permissive burn day in your zone.
Contact us if you have questions on where and when you can burn.
For residents who live in areas where backyard burning is allowed find more information on how to obtain a burn permit here.
We are continuing our efforts to develop effective alternatives to assist the residents and communities in managing their green waste materials. Alternatives include backyard composting, community chipping and composting programs, and green waste curbside pickup.
Contact us for more information on this topic.