Backyard Fires: Camarillo vs Port Hueneme
How do backyard fires rules compare between Camarillo, CA and Port Hueneme, CA?
Camarillo and Port Hueneme have similar restriction levels.
Camarillo, CA
Ventura County
Recreational fires in Camarillo using portable fire bowls, chimineas, and similar devices are allowed on permissible burn days with proper clearance from structures. All recreational fires must be attended, have an extinguishment method nearby, and comply with VCAPCD burn day restrictions and Ventura County Fire District regulations.
View full Camarillo rules →Port Hueneme, CA
Ventura County
Backyard fires in unincorporated Ventura County split two ways. Burning yard waste or trash is open burning under VCAPCD Rule 56, with no permitted residential pathway. Small recreational fires are allowed under California Fire Code §307.4.2: a pile no larger than 3 ft × 2 ft, kept 25 ft from structures and attended. Open flame can be banned in Red Flag events.
View full Port Hueneme rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Camarillo | Port Hueneme |
|---|---|---|
| Approved Devices | Fire pits, chimineas, gas fire tables | - |
| Clearance | 10+ feet from structures | 25 ft from structures/combustibles |
| Must Be Attended | Adult supervision required | - |
| No-Burn Days | All fires prohibited | - |
| Prohibited Fuels | Trash, yard waste, treated wood | - |
| Burning yard waste/trash | - | No permitted residential pathway (VCAPCD Rule 56) |
| Recreational fire allowed | - | Yes — within CFC §307.4.2 limits |
| Max recreational pile | - | 3 ft diameter × 2 ft high |
| Attendance | - | Required + extinguisher/hose on hand (CFC §307.5) |
| High fire danger | - | Open flame may be banned (Red Flag / no-burn days) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Camarillo FAQ
Can I have a bonfire in my Camarillo backyard?
Open bonfires are not recommended and may violate fire codes. Use an approved portable fire pit or chiminea with at least 10 feet clearance from structures. The fire must be attended at all times and is prohibited on no-burn days. Check VCAPCD at (805) 645-1400 for daily burn status.
Are gas fire pits allowed in Camarillo?
Yes. Gas fire pits and fire tables are generally the most HOA-friendly option and are not affected by VCAPCD wood-burning restrictions. They still require adequate clearance from structures and must be attended. Check your HOA's specific rules.
Can I cook over an open fire in my backyard?
Cooking fires in approved grills and fire pits are generally allowed on permissible burn days. Keep 10+ feet from structures, have an extinguisher or hose ready, and never leave the fire unattended. Gas and charcoal grills used solely for cooking have fewer restrictions than recreational fires.
Port Hueneme FAQ
Can I burn a pile of leaves or branches in my backyard?
No. Burning yard waste or trash is open burning under VCAPCD Rule 56, which has no permitted pathway for residential trash/leaf burning — only permitted agricultural burning of material grown on the property is allowed.
Is a small backyard campfire or recreational fire OK?
Yes, within California Fire Code §307.4.2: a pile no bigger than 3 ft × 2 ft, at least 25 ft from structures, constantly attended, with a hose or extinguisher ready — and not during a Red Flag Warning or no-burn day.
Can the fire department shut down my fire?
Yes. The fire code official may prohibit any open flame when conditions make fires hazardous, which is routine during Santa Ana winds and Red Flag Warnings in this high-fire-risk county.
Compare other topics
See how Camarillo and Port Hueneme compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool