Backyard Fires: Anza vs Riverside
How do backyard fires rules compare between Anza, CA and Riverside, CA?
Riverside has fewer restrictions than Anza.
Anza, CA
Riverside County
Anza is an unincorporated community in Riverside County governed by Riverside County Ordinance 787 (Fire Code) and the California Fire Code §307. Backyard recreational fires are allowed only when not contained in a barbecue pit at 25 ft from structures (15 ft for an approved barbecue pit), with a fuel area of 3 ft × 2 ft maximum, attended at all times, and only with clean firewood or charcoal. Cal Fire suspends residential outdoor burning during peak fire-season periods in the SRA.
View full Anza rules →Riverside, CA
Riverside County
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.
View full Riverside rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Anza | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Authority | CAL FIRE Riverside Unit / Riverside County Fire | - |
| Code Reference | Cal. Fire Code §307; Riverside County Ord. 787 / Ch. 8.32 | - |
| Max Fuel Area | 3 ft diameter × 2 ft height | - |
| Setback (open fire) | 25 ft from structure | - |
| Setback (barbecue pit) | 15 ft from structure | - |
| Approved Fuel | Clean firewood or charcoal only | - |
| Fire Hazard Zone | High to Very High (CAL FIRE SRA) | - |
| Red Flag Status | All outdoor burning may be banned | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Anza FAQ
Are backyard fires legal in Anza, CA?
Yes, as recreational fires under California Fire Code §307.4.2 and Riverside County Ordinance 787, provided the fuel area stays under 3 ft × 2 ft, the fire is at least 25 ft from any structure (15 ft if in a barbecue pit), attended at all times, with extinguishing equipment on site, and not during a Red Flag warning or fire-season suspension.
Do I need a burn permit in Anza?
For backyard recreational fires within the size limits, no permit is generally required. For any brush-clearance, agricultural, or larger open burning, a CAL FIRE burn permit (free at burnpermit.fire.ca.gov) is required, plus authorization from Riverside County Fire and an SCAQMD burn day declaration.
Can I burn yard waste in my Anza backyard?
No. Burning yard waste, trash, leaves, or construction debris is prohibited under California Fire Code and SCAQMD/local air-district rules. Only clean firewood or commercial charcoal may be burned in a recreational fire.
Riverside FAQ
Can I have a backyard fire pit during fire season?
Gas fire pits are generally OK. Wood-burning fire pits may be restricted during Red Flag Warnings or no-burn days; check the SCAQMD notice and any Riverside Fire advisory.
Do I need a permit for a gas fire pit?
Prefabricated gas fire pits do not need a permit, but gas-line installation to a permanent unit requires a plumbing/gas permit from Building & Safety.
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