County Fire Chief Ends Ban on Agricultural and Residential Burning

San Diego County Fire Chief Tony Mecham ended the suspension of burn permits on Monday morning. The change took effect at 8 a.m., allowing property owners with valid agricultural or residential permits to resume controlled burning on designated days.

The reinstatement permits activity between 8 a.m. and sunset. Before lighting a fire, permit holders must call their local Cal Fire station to verify that conditions are safe and to report their intent. Agricultural burns require a pre-ignition inspection by Cal Fire, while residential burns may also require a visual check.

Officials emphasized that strict adherence to safety protocols is required. If a fire spreads to adjacent property, the person responsible faces potential civil or criminal liability. This dual exposure serves as a financial and legal deterrent against unmonitored burns.

Cal Fire noted that clearing piles of forest debris reduces immediate hazards near homes. State, federal, and local agencies intend to use this window to conduct prescribed burns on both public and private land. These operations aim to improve forest health and resilience by removing combustible material.

Residents can review specific rules at burnpermit.fire.gov. The decision reflects a return to normal seasonal procedures, balancing the need for vegetation management with the risk of wildfire under local conditions.