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
Fire pits and BBQ pits in Riverside must be located at least 15 feet from any structure per California Fire Code §307.4. Recreational fires may be ordered discontinued if deemed hazardous. SCAQMD No-Burn Day restrictions apply to wood-burning fire pits.
Riverside Fire Pit Regulations
Some RestrictionsFireworks
All fireworks, including California 'Safe and Sane' types, are prohibited within the City of Riverside under RMC Chapter 8.04 and State Fire Marshal rules.
Riverside Fireworks Ordinance
Heavy RestrictionsBrush Clearance
Riverside property owners in designated fire-hazard zones must maintain 100 feet of defensible space under California PRC 4291 and RMC Chapter 8.04.
Riverside Brush Clearance Requirements
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 yard waste, trash, or vegetation is prohibited in Riverside under South Coast AQMD Rule 444 and RMC Chapter 8.04.
Riverside Outdoor Burning Rules
Heavy RestrictionsWildfire Zones
Portions of Riverside's hillside neighborhoods are designated Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones by CAL FIRE, triggering defensible-space and hardening requirements.
Riverside Wildfire Zones
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
Riverside Fire Department enforces California Fire Code limits on propane cylinder size, location, and quantity at homes and businesses. Cylinders must be stored outdoors, upright, away from ignition sources and exits.
Riverside Propane Storage and Cylinder Rules
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 →