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1. Who is Eligible for a Burn Permit?

Permits from our office are ONLY for residents of Aptos/La Selva or Central Fire Protection Districts (Capitola, Live Oak, Soquel, Aptos, Rio del Mar or La Selva Beach). If you are not a resident of these Districts, please refer to your local fire department for information on how to obtain a burn permit for your address.

2. When is Burn Season?

The annual backyard burn season for burning vegetation typically runs from December 1st through April 30th each year (unless otherwise directed by the Monterey Bay Air Resource District or CA State Fire Marshal). Residents of one or two-family dwellings (who meet the requirements specified) must obtain a permit for backyard burning through the Community Risk Reduction Office, via our website. 

3. On Which Days is Burning Allowed?

Burning will be allowed on permissive "burn days" or "marginal burn days" only, as reported by the Monterey Bay Air Resources District. To check the burn status for the day, call the MBARD hotline at 1-800-CAL-BURN (225-2876), or visit the website at www.mbard.org. The burn status hotline will list separate zones for burn days - all permits issued for Central and Aptos/La Selva FPD's are listed in the "COASTAL" burn zone.

4. What's the Minimum Property Size for Backyard Burning?

There is a minimum size requirement of AT LEAST a half acre on residential properties to be considered for a backyard burn permit. The minimum clearance requirement around burn piles is 100', in compliance with current MBARD standards.