Saw this information on Expedition Portal and wanted to add it here since it's a topic that has come up in the past.
California requires campfire permits, technically even for lanterns and stoves. Since we live in a state prone to wildfires, expect more awareness to be paid to this and, in light of our state's budgetary woes, I could see various agencies looking to write tickets for this.
The following is a link to obtain a campfire permit online, so you don't have to go to an office or agency to get one. After taking the world's easiest four-question quiz, you can download the permit form, fill it out and keep in your truck or outdoor gear. The permits are good through the end of the year. If we have a bad fire season, expect that this service will go away, so do it now.
Beats possibly paying a fine.
http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sequoia/passespermits/campfire_permit/campfire-index.html
