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

Pasadena is located within the jurisdiction of the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), which administers California's most comprehensive no-burn program under Rule 445. Each year from November 1 through the last day of February, SCAQMD issues daily burn forecasts. On days designated as "Mandatory No-Burn," all wood-burning devices within the district — including indoor fireplaces, wood stoves, fire pits, chimineas, and any other device burning wood, manufactured logs, or biomass — must remain completely unlit. SCAQMD also issues "Voluntary Curtailment" advisories when air quality is moderately impaired; these are encouraged but not legally required. Mandatory no-burn days are announced by 3 PM the day prior through the SCAQMD website (aqmd.gov) and the toll-free hotline (1-800-367-4723). Gas-fired and propane-fueled devices (fire pits, fireplaces, heaters) are exempt from no-burn orders.

In addition to SCAQMD rules, Pasadena's Fire Department enforces independent restrictions in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ), which cover a significant portion of north Pasadena along the San Gabriel Mountain foothills. In VHFHSZ areas, open outdoor burning may be subject to additional seasonal prohibitions during elevated fire danger conditions (Spare the Air and Red Flag warnings), even when SCAQMD rules would otherwise permit burning. During Red Flag conditions (low humidity, high winds), the Pasadena Fire Department may issue emergency no-burn orders city-wide that also prohibit gas and propane fire pits. Check both aqmd.gov and cityofpasadena.net/fire for current conditions. Contact Pasadena Fire Prevention at (626) 744-7187.