Backyard Burn Season Ends April 30
Tuesday, April 30, 2024 is the last day that residential burning is permitted in Santa Cruz County.
Beginning Wednesday May 1, 2024, all burning in the County (except campfires) will require an approved General Burn Permit which requires a site inspection and a physical permit issued through the BurnPermit.fire.ca.gov website. The guideline is in place to help reduce the risk of wildfire.
This suspension bans all residential outdoor burning of landscape debris such as branches, leaves, and trash. While outdoor burning of landscape debris by homeowners is no longer allowed, CAL FIRE asks residents to take the time to prepare your home for wildfire by hardening your home and creating defensible space ahead of wildfire season.
Here are some tips to prepare your property:
• Clear all dead and dying vegetation 100 feet from around all structures.
• Landscape with fire resistant plants and non-flammable ground cover.
• Find alternate ways to dispose of landscape debris like chipping or hauling to a biomass energy or green waste facility.
Campfires may still be permitted if the campfire is maintained in such a manner as to prevent its spread to the wildland. A valid campfire permit is required and can be obtained online at readyforwildfire.org.
