Backyard burning is the use of outdoors fires for disposing natural vegetation from single - two family residences. The vegetation must orginate from and be burned on the property of the residence. Regulation IV,  Rule 438 "Open Outdoor Fires" of the Air Pollution District regulates air emissions from all outdoor fires in the tri-county area.

The City of Soledad Fire Department encourages alternative methods to dispose of natural vegetation when feasible, such as composting, chipping or taking yard waste to landfills in the area.

The City of Soledad has adopted a "No Backyard Burnig" Ordinance within the City limits. Backyard burning is permissible within the boundaries of the Mission Soledad Rural Fire Protection District during the non-fire season from December 1st through April 30th with a current Burn Permit and after being inspected by the Soledad Fire Department.  Burn permits can be obtained at the Soledad Fire Department located at 525 Monterey St., Soledad, CA 93960 between the hours of 8:00 AM  to 5:00 PM,  Monday through Friday.

After obtaining a burn permit, applicants must contact the Fire Department to conduct an inspection on the vegetation to be burned. Upon obtaining clearance, from the Fire Department, the applicant must call 1-800-CAL-BURN to determine if it is a permissive burn day. Burning on permissive burns days is the ONLY allowed from sunrise to 1:00 PM. The Fire Chief retains the right to void any burn permit in the event that an applicant violates any regulation set forth by the Fire Department and/or the Monterey Bay Air Pollution District.

Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Soledad Fire Department at (831) 223-5117 betwwen the hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.