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Can I burn wood today in the San Joaquin Valley?
Short answer
Burn season runs November 1 to the end of February.
Whether today is a no-burn day is posted by the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. Check before you light a fire:
November 1 to the end of February
These rules are about burning wood.
Planned a fire tonight? You still have options.
None of these burn wood.
Electric fireplace
Hangs on the wall or sits in an opening. Many plug into a regular outlet. No chimney, no permit.
Compare electric fireplacesGas logs
Real flames in your existing fireplace. You'll need a gas line and a pro to hook it up.
Already have a newer, cleaner stove?
Some areas let registered or certified stoves burn on certain days. Check the rules below.
How the rules work here
Each day the district posts one of three levels for each county: No Burning, No Burning Unless Registered (registered clean devices may burn), or Burning Discouraged.
- Only certified stoves can be sold.
- Stoves must be replaced with certified ones when a home is sold (per EPA's summary of Rule 4901; confirm with the district).
Not yet confirmed by us: Home-sale replacement rule (read only in an EPA summary). Check with the agency.
Where this comes from
Checked Nov 1, 2026. Rules change, so the agency's own page is always the final word. This isn't legal advice.
Somewhere else in California?
November 1 to the end of February
San Francisco Bay AreaAll year (since October 1, 2025)
Sacramento CountyNovember through February
San Luis Obispo CountyBurn-day status posted for coastal and inland areas
Mammoth Lakes & the Eastern SierraMandatory no-burn days when particle pollution gets high