Fire Regulations in Burbank, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Burbank or are thinking about moving there, fire regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Burbank has 6 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of fire regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Backyard Fires

Burbank has no separate backyard-fire ordinance; recreational backyard fires are governed by the 2025 California Fire Code adopted in Burbank Municipal Code 9-1-9. A recreational fire must be 25 feet from structures/combustibles (15 feet for a portable outdoor fireplace, excepted at one- and two-family homes), constantly attended, and never used for open burning of waste, which requires a Fire Code Official permit.

Key details: Code Section: BMC 9-1-9 (adopts 2025 CFC); CFC 307.4 / 307.5. Recreational fire clearance: 25 ft from structures/combustibles. Waste burning: Not a recreational fire - needs open-burning permit (9-1-9-307.1.1.1). Attendance: Must be constantly attended until out (CFC 307.5).

Failing to follow the adopted Fire Code (e.g., unattended fire, inadequate clearance, or burning waste without a permit) is a Municipal Code violation and a misdemeanor unless charged as an infraction (BMC 1-1-105); the Fire Code Official may order the fire extinguished.

Fire Pit Rules

Burbank has no fire-pit-specific ordinance, but it adopts the 2025 California Fire Code in Burbank Municipal Code 9-1-9, which governs recreational fires and portable outdoor fireplaces. Under the adopted code a recreational fire must be kept 25 feet from structures and combustibles, and a portable outdoor fireplace 15 feet (except at one- and two-family dwellings), and the fire must be constantly attended until extinguished.

Key details: Code Section: BMC 9-1-9 (adopts 2025 CFC); CFC 307.4. Recreational fire setback: 25 ft from structures/combustibles (CFC 307.4.2). Portable fireplace setback: 15 ft, except 1-2 family dwellings (CFC 307.4.3). Attendance: Must be constantly attended until extinguished (CFC 307.5).

A violation of any provision of the Burbank Municipal Code, including the adopted Fire Code, is a misdemeanor unless classified or charged as an infraction (BMC 1-1-105). The Fire Code Official may also order an unsafe fire extinguished and pursue corrective-action cost recovery.

Fireworks

All fireworks are illegal in Burbank. Burbank Municipal Code 9-1-9-5608.1(a), a local amendment to the adopted California Fire Code, flatly prohibits any person from manufacturing, possessing, selling, or discharging fireworks, with the only exception being a permitted public display. California's State Fireworks Law (Health & Safety Code section 12500 et seq.) separately bans possession of dangerous fireworks without a permit.

Key details: Code Section: BMC 9-1-9-5608.1(a) (fireworks prohibition). Scope: Manufacture, possession, sale, AND discharge all banned. Only exception: Permitted public display per CFC 5608. State law: Cal. Health & Safety Code sections 12500, 12677.

A violation of the Burbank Municipal Code, including this Fire Code amendment, is a misdemeanor unless classified or charged as an infraction (BMC 1-1-105). Possession of dangerous fireworks without a permit is independently unlawful under Cal. Health & Safety Code section 12677, and fireworks are subject to immediate seizure.

Compared to other cities, Burbank takes a harder line on fireworks. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Brush Clearance

Properties in fire hazard zones must maintain 100 ft of defensible space per CA PRC 4291. Burbank Fire Department enforces brush clearance in hillside areas near the Verdugo Mountains. Zone 1 (0-30 ft) requires lean/clean/green landscaping; Zone 2 (30-100 ft) requires fuel reduction.

Key details: Defensible Space: 100 ft from structures. Zone 1: 0-30 ft: lean, clean, green. Zone 2: 30-100 ft: reduce fuel load. State Law: CA PRC 4291. Local Risk: Verdugo Mountain hillside areas.

Non-compliance with brush clearance requirements may result in severe fines enforced by the Burbank Fire Department. The city may perform abatement and bill the property owner.

Compared to other cities, Burbank takes a harder line on brush clearance. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Outdoor Burning

Open burning is prohibited in Burbank except by permit from the Fire Code Official for a short list of purposes. Burbank Municipal Code 9-1-9-307.1.1.1 (a local amendment adding to the adopted California Fire Code) authorizes open-burning permits only for fire-hazard abatement, city lot-burning crews, fire-fighting instruction, and certain sponsored gatherings, and all permits must comply with South Coast Air Quality Management District rules.

Key details: Code Section: BMC 9-1-9-307.1.1.1 (Open Burning General). Permit required: Yes - from the Fire Code Official, limited purposes only. Hazard-abatement hours: 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Air quality: Must comply with South Coast AQMD regulations.

Open burning without a required permit, or outside permitted purposes/hours, is a violation of the Burbank Municipal Code and a misdemeanor unless charged as an infraction (BMC 1-1-105). The Fire Code Official may order corrective action and recover costs.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Burbank actively enforces its outdoor burning requirements.

Wildfire Zones

Burbank has designated Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) in the hillside areas near the Verdugo Mountains. Properties in these zones face additional building requirements, vegetation management, and defensible space mandates under CA PRC 4291 and local fire codes.

Key details: VHFHSZ Areas: Verdugo Mountain hillside zones. State Law: CA PRC 4291 defensible space. Building Codes: Fire-resistant materials required. Inspections: Annual brush clearance compliance.

VHFHSZ building violations: stop-work order. Brush clearance failures: city abatement at owner cost. PRC §4291 fines up to $500/day.

This is one of the stricter rules in Burbank's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Burbank is tougher than many cities when it comes to fire regulations. Out of the 6 rules covered here, 4 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Burbank, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Burbank can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.