Source: Cal Fire
Following another wet winter that produced significant vegetation growth across the region, rising temperatures, low humidity, and seasonal winds are rapidly curing grasses and light fuels. These conditions are increasing wildfire risk across San Diego County, prompting Cal Fire to suspend all residential outdoor burn permits within the State Responsibility Area. This suspension takes effect at 8:00am on May 1st, 2026, and suspends all residential outdoor burning of landscape debris such as branches and leaves.
“With the continued trend of earlier and more intense fire seasons, suspending burn permits is a crucial step to safeguard our communities and resources during this critical period,” said Unit and Fire Chief Tony Mecham.
Since January 1, 2026, Cal Fire and firefighters across the state have already responded to over 840wildfires. Now that outdoor burning of landscape debris by homeowners is suspended, we recommend taking action by maintaining at least 100 feet of Defensible Space around every home and building on your property and making an evacuation plan so you’re ready if needed.
Here are some tips to help prepare homes and property:
· Clear all dead and/or dying vegetation within 100 feet of all structures.
· Landscape with fire-resistant plants and non-flammable ground cover.
· Find alternative ways to dispose of landscape debris, like chipping or hauling it to a biomass energy or green waste facility.
The department may issue restricted temporary burning permits for essential reasons related to public health and safety. Agriculture, land management, fire training, and other industrial-type burning may proceed if a Cal Fire official inspects the burn site and issues a special permit.
The suspension of burn permits for residential landscape debris does not apply to campfires within organized campgrounds or on private property. Campfires may be permitted if the campfire is maintained in such a manner as to prevent its spread to the wildland. A campfire permit can be obtained at local fire stations or online at www.ReadyForWildfire.org.