Oxnard Burn Bans Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Oxnard's burn restrictions operate under two overlapping regulatory frameworks. The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) — the air quality authority for Ventura County, wholly separate from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) which covers Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties — administers Rule 55 (Wood-Burning Devices). Under Rule 55, VCAPCD monitors meteorological conditions from November 1 through February 28 and declares mandatory No-Burn days when atmospheric conditions inhibit the dispersal of particulate matter. On declared No-Burn days, all wood burning in residential fireplaces, wood stoves, pellet stoves, and outdoor fire pits or fire places is prohibited throughout Ventura County, including all of Oxnard. Residents can check daily burn status at vcapcd.org or by calling VCAPCD's burn-day information line.

Separately, the Oxnard Fire Department (OFD) and CAL FIRE Ventura Unit may issue emergency burning prohibitions at any time of year during Red Flag Warning conditions — periods of critically low humidity, elevated temperatures, and strong offshore (Santa Ana) winds that dramatically increase wildfire risk. During these declared prohibitions, all outdoor burning is suspended regardless of VCAPCD burn-day status. Although Oxnard's developed coastal setting means it does not contain the extensive wildland interface of inland Ventura County communities, the city is not immune to wind-driven fire risk during extreme Santa Ana events.

Open burning of any yard waste, leaves, tree trimmings, or other vegetative debris is permanently prohibited within Oxnard's incorporated city limits under the California Fire Code as locally adopted, consistent with urban area burning prohibitions applicable throughout the region. Residents needing to dispose of green waste should use Oxnard's curbside green waste collection program.