California fire restrictions & burn bans
Whether burning is restricted in California right now — the live fire-weather signal from the National Weather Service, the official California source to confirm the legal status, and what each restriction stage means.
Checking California fire-weather alerts…
Check the official California status
Fire restrictions are a legal status, not a forecast — always confirm with the official agency before you burn. This is the authoritative source for California:
CAL FIRECurrent burn status by unitOpen official source ↗Always also check your county and, on public land, the managing agency — a county burn ban can be in effect even when the state isn’t restricted.
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What the restriction stages mean
The standardized interagency levels used across federal land and most California agencies:
No building, maintaining, or using a fire / campfire outside of permanent, agency-provided fire rings in developed sites. No smoking except in an enclosed vehicle, building, or a cleared three-foot area. Charcoal and wood fires are generally prohibited; many petroleum/gas stoves with a shutoff valve are still allowed.
Everything in Stage 1, plus: no campfires anywhere (even in developed sites), no operating equipment with an internal-combustion engine off designated roads, no welding or using an open flame torch, and tight limits on chainsaws (spark arrestor + extinguisher + shovel, restricted hours). Gas stoves with a shutoff are usually the only cooking flame still permitted.
The most restrictive step — the affected public land is closed entirely. Entry is generally prohibited except for residents, permit holders, and authorized personnel. Stage 3 is reserved for extreme fire danger or active large-fire conditions.
Who can issue restrictions in California
Statewide or regional burn bans and open-burning suspensions on state and private land.
County-wide burn bans — the level that most often affects homeowners and is easy to miss.
Stage 1–3 fire restrictions and closures on national forests, parks, and other federal land.
Municipal open-burning rules, fireworks bans, and local red-flag restrictions.
Everything for California wildfire safety
More California fire resources
California fire restrictions FAQ
Is there a burn ban in California right now?
Burn bans and fire restrictions in California are issued by state, county, and federal land agencies and change frequently — there is no single national feed that is authoritative for every jurisdiction. The fastest reliable check is the official California source linked on this page, plus your county. The live banner above shows whether the National Weather Service has a Red Flag Warning or Fire Weather Watch in effect for California, which is the conditions signal that most often triggers restrictions.
What do Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3 fire restrictions mean?
These are the standardized interagency restriction levels. Stage 1 limits campfires and smoking. Stage 2 bans most fire and spark sources — campfires, off-road vehicle use, welding, and limits chainsaws. Stage 3 is a full area closure. Most federal and many state agencies use this exact system, though counties and cities may use their own burn-ban language.
Who issues fire restrictions in California?
Several authorities can, independently: the California state forestry agency (statewide/regional), county commissioners or the county fire marshal (county-wide burn bans), federal land managers like the U.S. Forest Service and BLM (Stage 1–3 on federal land), and cities or local fire districts. Because they overlap, always confirm both your state and county before any outdoor burning.
Can I have a campfire or use fireworks in California today?
Only if no restriction covers your specific location. During a Red Flag Warning, and under Stage 1+ restrictions, open fires and fireworks are commonly prohibited. Check the official California source and your county listed on this page first — penalties for violating a fire ban can include fines and liability for suppression costs if a fire escapes.
How do I get notified when fire conditions spike in California?
Sign up for free FireRisk.ai alerts on this page and we’ll email you when the National Weather Service issues a Red Flag Warning for your area or a new wildfire ignites nearby — the conditions that usually precede or accompany new fire restrictions. Also register for your county’s official emergency alerts.
FireRisk.ai aggregates official fire-weather data (National Weather Service) and links to the official California agency for the legal restriction status. Restrictions change daily and vary by jurisdiction — always confirm with the official source and your local authorities before any outdoor burning. This page is for awareness and is not an official or legal notice.
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