San Diego County - Burning Suspended
Effective June 1, 2024

The County of San Diego Air Pollution Control District (APCD), along with CALFIRE, determine whether or not local fire agencies may issue burn permits​​ for agricultural clearing. Residents must check each agency to determine whether or not burning is permitted. If APCD indicates “PERMIT” and CALFIRE indicates “Permit Required,” property owners residing within the San Miguel Fire District must complete a permit application and comply with the following:

Location
Fires shall not be conducted within 30 feet of a structure or combustible material. Conditions in which a fire could spread to within 30 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.

Size
Vegetation piles shall not exceed 3’ x 3’ x 3’

Burn Hours
Burn hours change throughout the year. Fire Prevention personnel will verify burn hours prior to issuance of a permit, or add “or as directed” next the burning hours specified on the permit.

Fire-extinguishing Equipment
A charged water hose or a minimum 4-A rated fire extinguisher, a shovel, and a phone shall be readily available for use.

Attendance
Fires shall be constantly attended by an adult knowledgeable in the use of the fire extinguishing equipment required above. An attendant shall supervise the fire until it is completely extinguished.

Note: Individuals can be held civilly and/or criminally liable for allowing a fire to escape their control and/or burn onto neighboring property.

Fuels
Only clean, dry fuels are to be used. Paper products, construction debris and/or trash are not allowed.  The fuel must be set in such a manner as not to create flying embers or create a nuisance.

Notification
Once your burn permit has been issued, you must contact Heartland Dispatch non-emergency line before you start burning, and again once you have completed burning. The number is (619) 441-1621.

Smoke
Smoke cannot create a nuisance for other neighborhood residents.

Discontinuance
The fire department is authorized to order a fire be immediately discontinued if it is determined to constitute a hazardous condition.

Fees/Validity
One fee for the year, with each burn permit valid for a 30-day period. Permits shall be considered VOID upon the APCD or CALFIRE declaring burning prohibited.
Permit applications are available at San Miguel Headquarters:
2850 Via Orange Way
Spring Valley, CA 91978

Crest residents can obtain burn permits from San Miguel Station 18:
1811 Suncrest Blvd.
El Cajon, CA 92019
(There is no cost for burn permits in Crest as residents pay a special benefit tax for fire suppression and emergency services)