Fire hazard reduction burn season opens Jan. 12 in Atascadero

By Atascadero News · Mon Jan 12 2026

ATASCADERO — Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services announced that the 2026 Fire Hazard Reduction Burn Season will officially open Monday, Jan. 12, for Atascadero residents.

Burn day status is determined daily by the California Air Resources Board in coordination with North County weather conditions. Burning is not permitted within five days of measurable rainfall. Each day, the fire department will determine before 8 a.m. whether burning is allowed within the city.

Burn permits are required and available free of charge at beforeyouburn.com or through the “Before You Burn” mobile app for iPhone and Android devices. The app allows residents to schedule burn days, check daily burn status, receive alerts, and view local wind and moisture forecasts.

Daily burn status updates — including open, closed, informational notices, and warnings — are posted on the app and website. Residents can also call the burn line at (805) 461-5070, Ext. 8, which is updated daily. If conditions change unexpectedly, the fire department may send text notifications to residents who have burns scheduled.

Residents without internet access may request a permit by calling the burn line or visiting Atascadero City Hall at 6500 Palma Ave.

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 our website at atascadero.org/fire

Citations will be issued for violations of the burning regulations.