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

As part of the South Coast Air Basin, Santa Monica is fully subject to SCAQMD Rule 445, which regulates wood-burning devices to protect air quality in the greater Los Angeles region. On mandatory no-burn days — issued by SCAQMD when air quality models predict particle pollution will exceed federal health standards — it is illegal to burn any wood, manufactured log, or solid fuel in any residential or commercial wood-burning device. This includes indoor fireplaces, outdoor fire pits, chimineas, backyard fire rings, wood-burning stoves, and any other device that combusts solid fuel. The ban applies throughout the entire South Coast Air Basin, including all of Santa Monica.

SCAQMD typically issues no-burn day notices by 3 PM for the following day and maintains a hotline at (800) 242-4022 as well as online tools at aqmd.gov. Sign-up for email and text alerts is available. Gas fireplaces, propane fire pits, and natural gas appliances are fully exempt from no-burn day restrictions and may be used at any time regardless of air quality status. Santa Monica's own Fire Department also follows California Fire Code provisions related to open burning and may issue additional local restrictions during Red Flag Warning conditions when fire risk is elevated due to wind and low humidity. During Red Flag Warnings issued by the National Weather Service, the Santa Monica Fire Department may issue additional restrictions on outdoor burning beyond SCAQMD requirements.