Fire Regulations in Riverside, CA (2026)
8 verified fire regulations for Riverside, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pit Rules
Riverside permits small recreational fires in approved pits, but bonfires and open burning require a Fire Department permit at least 24 hours in advance. Distance, size, and supervision rules are strictly enforced under the California Fire Code as adopted by RMC Chapter 16.32.
Recreational Fires, Bonfires & Portable Outdoor Fireplaces
Heavy RestrictionsFireworks
All fireworks — including sparklers and so-called 'safe and sane' fireworks — are illegal everywhere inside Riverside city limits. Use carries a minimum $1,500 administrative fine, and confiscation, citation, or arrest are possible.
All Fireworks Prohibited Citywide
Heavy RestrictionsBrush Clearance
Property owners in Riverside must clear weeds, dry grass, and flammable vegetation throughout the year. Parcels in or near a Fire Hazard Severity Zone are subject to California Public Resources Code §4291's 100-foot defensible space requirement.
Weed Abatement & Defensible Space
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Public Resources Code Section 4291
(a) A person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a building or structure in the state responsibility area shall at all times do all of the following: (1) (A) Maintain defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, but not beyond the property line, except as provided in subparagraph (B). The amount of fuel modification necessary shall con...
Outdoor Burning
Open burning of trash or yard waste is prohibited in Riverside. Any open burn or bonfire requires both a Riverside Fire Department permit (24-hour advance notice) and compliance with South Coast AQMD Rule 444; no-burn days override any permit.
Open Burning Permits & Air Quality Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsWildfire Zones
Portions of Riverside — particularly the hillside neighborhoods around Sycamore Canyon, Box Springs, La Sierra Hills, and Two Trees — are mapped as Moderate, High, or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Owners in those zones must maintain 100 feet of defensible space and meet Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) construction standards.
Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ)
Heavy RestrictionsSmoke Detectors
California requires 10-year sealed-battery smoke alarms in every Riverside dwelling under H&S Code 13113.7, plus CO alarms and hardwired units in new construction.
Riverside Smoke Detector Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Health and Safety Code Section 13113.7
(a) (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, smoke alarms, approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Section 13114 at the time of installation, shall be installed, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions in each dwelling intended for human occupancy. (2) For all dwelling units intended for human occupancy for which a building permit is issued on or after Janu...
Backyard Fires
Riverside allows gas-fueled outdoor fireplaces and fire pits but restricts wood-burning units to manufactured appliances with screens, under RMC Chapter 8.04 and SCAQMD rules.
Riverside Backyard Fire Rules
Some RestrictionsPropane Storage
Propane (LPG) storage in Riverside is governed by California Fire Code Chapter 61 and NFPA 58, adopted by reference through RMC Chapter 16.32. Small residential cylinders are largely unregulated, but storage above 125 gallons aggregate water capacity requires a Fire Department operational permit.
Propane / LPG Storage
Some RestrictionsLooking for Riverside County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Riverside city rules.
Fire Regulations in Riverside County →