Open Burning to Close

KERN COUNTY, Calif. | The Kern County Fire Department is notifying all residents that Open Burning of Hazard Reduction Fuels will close, effective Monday, April 13, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. This decision has been made due to a combination of factors, including declining live fuel moisture levels.

Residents should continue monitoring daily burn status updates, as conditions can change rapidly. Although open burning is scheduled to remain in effect through the 13th, opportunities to conduct safe and permitted burning are expected to be limited due to forecasted weather conditions. Check burn day status each day and ensure full compliance with all local regulations before conducting any open burning.

As temperatures rise and relative humidity decreases across Kern County, vegetation will dry out rapidly, increasing the risk of fire ignition and spread. These conditions show the importance of maintaining Defensible Space around properties, now including Zone 0, the Ember-Resistant Zone. These guidelines help protect homes and structures from wildfires by reducing flammable materials near buildings:

Defensible Space Guidelines

Zone 0: 0–5 feet (Ember-Resistant Zone)

• Remove all combustible materials including vegetation, mulch, wood chips, and flammable outdoor furniture
• Keep roofs and gutters clear of leaves, pine needles, and other debris
• Avoid storing firewood or other flammable items within 5 feet of any structure

Zone 1: 5–30 feet

• Maintain vegetation that is well irrigated and properly spaced
• Remove dead plants, grass, and weeds
• Trim tree branches at least 10 feet from other trees and away from structures
• Eliminate ladder fuels by removing lower tree branches and clearing beneath trees

Zone 2: 30–100 feet

• Create horizontal and vertical spacing between shrubs and trees
• Mow grass to 4 inches or lower
• Remove accumulations of dead vegetation and debris
• Maintain fuel breaks like driveways, gravel walkways, or lawns
   

For more information on fire safety, preparedness, and defensible space, please visit www.kerncountyfire.org.