2026 Burn Season Opening for Fire Hazard Reduction

Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services would like to announce the Fire Hazard Reduction Burn Season will officially open this year on January 12th for Atascadero residents.  Just a reminder that the burn day status, whether it is a permissive burn day or not, changes daily and is determined by the California Air Resources Board and North County weather conditions. Burning is never allowed within 5 days of measurable rain.

Permits are required and available free online at the Before You Burn website and as an iPhone app (Android app coming soon). The app offers a convenient method for residents to schedule burn days, check conditions, and see alerts at any time, including a comprehensive local wind and moisture forecast.

The Fire Department will determine, before 8 am each day, whether burning will be allowed within the City. The burning status (open, closed, info, & warnings) will be posted instantly to your app and to the Before You Burn website. Staff will also continue to update the burn line message daily at (805) 461-5070 Ext. 8. If conditions change without warning, the Fire Department will be able to respond proactively, sending text messages to all residents who have a burn scheduled that day.

Those who do not have internet access can request a permit at (805) 461-5070 Ext. 8 or visit City Hall at 6500 Palma Ave., Atascadero. For more information, visit the City's Backyard Burning page.

Download the App. The photo below shows what to look for in the App store and is called “Before You Burn.”

Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services strongly encourages residents to utilize alternative forms of disposal, such as the Waste Alternatives’ Green Waste recycling container or the Chicago Grade Landfill.  Burning should be used as a last resort.

Copies of Atascadero’s Burn Regulations are available on the Backyard Burning page. Citations will be issued for violations of the burning regulations.

If you would like further information regarding this press release, please feel free to contact Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services at (805) 461-5070.