The 2024 Backyard Burning Season is CLOSED! Please check back for updates regarding the opening of the 2025 Backyard Burning Season
Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services has a zero-tolerance policy and will issue citations for violations of Burning Regulations!
New! Online Burn Permitting System
Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services is pleased to announce the City of Atascadero will be utilizing a new online burn-permitting option this year. In partnership with the Western Fire Chiefs Association, the Outdoor Debris Burn Permitting System provides a user-friendly, free, online way for residents to obtain important information. The new online system allows staff to see burn locations on a daily basis, immediately notify users of changing conditions, message important fire safety information, ensure that those planning a burn are aware of the rules and regulations and that the right jurisdiction is being notified of the planned burn.
The Public Fire Safety (PFS) system is available as an iPhone or android app. The app offers a convenient method for residents to schedule burn days, check conditions, and see alerts at any time -- including a comprehensive local wind and moisture forecast. The PFS app is available now for free in the Apple App Store, and the Google Play Store. In your app store, search "Public Fire Safety", get the app, open, sign in and schedule your burn days.
From Chief Casey Bryson - “We appreciate residents’ patience during the transition to the new online system, and we are confident that they will find the process far more efficient and user-friendly than methods used in the past. We are in the process of gathering feedback on the app and welcome questions, comments, or concerns from our residents. We want to make sure the app is easy to use, and really effective for collaborative fire safety.”
Register for a Permit
To register for your permit online visit PublicFireSafety.com. In order to use this service, residents will need to provide their name, street address, and text messaging phone number. Those without internet access or a text messaging phone number can still request a permit at (805) 461-5070 ext. 8 or by visiting City Hall at 6500 Palma Ave, Atascadero, California 93422.
Check in Before You Burn!
Residents are required to maintain accurate emergency contact information and schedule each burn day with the app. It is critical to "check in" the day of the burn to ensure burning has not since been closed. Open burning can only be conducted with a permit issued by Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services.
The Fire Department will determine before 8 a.m. each day whether burning will be allowed within the City. The burning status (open, closed, info, and warnings) will be posted to your app and the publicfiresafety.com portal instantly. Staff will also continue to update the burn line message daily. If conditions change without warning, Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services staff are able to respond proactively, sending text messages to all residents that have a burn scheduled that day.
Outside the City Limits
Contact the San Luis Obispo County Fire Department at (805) 543-4244. The State Air Resources Board determines which days are appropriate for burning in order to limit air pollution and of those days, local fire officials determine burn days according to local conditions.
For more information about burn permits call the administrative offices at (805) 461-5070 ext. 8.