BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — The Kern County Fire Department said all residents will be notified that Open Burning of Hazard Reduction Fuels will close, effective Monday, April 13, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.

Officials said the decision was made due to “a combination of factors, including declining live fuel moisture levels.”

Conditions can change rapidly, so residents should continue to monitor burn statuses daily. Open burning is scheduled to remain in effect through April 13, but opportunities to conduct safe and permitted burning are expected to be limited due to forecasted weather, said KCFD.

Residents are asked to check the burn day status each day to ensure full compliance with all local regulations before any open burning.

Residents who live in the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District can check their daily burn status at valleyair.org/burnstatus (or by calling 1-800-766-4463), or for residents who fall under the Eastern Kern Air Pollution Control District, check kernair.org (1-877-429-2876).

Vegetation will dry out rapidly as temperatures rise and humidity decreases across Kern, increasing the risk of fire ignition, said KCFD.

Defensible Space around properties remains an important deterrent against wildfires.

Defensible Space Guidelines
Zone 0: 0–5 feet (Ember-Resistant Zone)Remove all combustible materials, including vegetation, mulch, wood chips, and flammable outdoor furnitureKeep roofs and gutters clear of leaves, pine needles, and other debrisAvoid storing firewood or other flammable items within 5 feet of any structureZone 1: 5–30 feetMaintain vegetation that is well irrigated and properly spacedRemove dead plants, grass, and weedsTrim tree branches at least 10 feet from other trees and away from structuresEliminate ladder fuels by removing lower tree branches and clearing beneath trees
Zone 2: 30–100 feetCreate horizontal and vertical spacing between shrubs and treesMow grass to 4 inches or lowerRemove accumulations of dead vegetation and debrisMaintain fuel breaks like driveways, gravel walkways, or lawnsComment with Bubbles

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