Backyard Fires: Carmichael vs Fruitridge Pocket
How do backyard fires rules compare between Carmichael, CA and Fruitridge Pocket, CA?
Carmichael and Fruitridge Pocket have similar restriction levels.
Carmichael, CA
Sacramento County
Backyard recreational fires are allowed in most unincorporated Sacramento County under Sacramento Metro Fire's California Fire Code rules - 3 feet by 2 feet maximum, 25 feet of clearance, constantly attended, with extinguishing equipment on hand. Burning trash, leaves, or yard waste in the backyard is prohibited by Sac Metro Air District, and no-burn days apply in winter.
View full Carmichael rules →Fruitridge Pocket, CA
Sacramento County
Backyard recreational fires are allowed in most unincorporated Sacramento County under Sacramento Metro Fire's California Fire Code rules - 3 feet by 2 feet maximum, 25 feet of clearance, constantly attended, with extinguishing equipment on hand. Burning trash, leaves, or yard waste in the backyard is prohibited by Sac Metro Air District, and no-burn days apply in winter.
View full Fruitridge Pocket rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carmichael | Fruitridge Pocket |
|---|---|---|
| Recreational backyard fire | Allowed (3 ft x 2 ft, 25 ft clearance, attended) | Allowed (3 ft x 2 ft, 25 ft clearance, attended) |
| Extinguisher on site | Min. 4-A rated or hose/water/sand (CFC 307.5) | Min. 4-A rated or hose/water/sand (CFC 307.5) |
| Burning trash/leaves/yard waste | Prohibited year-round (Sac Metro Air District) | Prohibited year-round (Sac Metro Air District) |
| Manufactured fire bowl/chiminea | Generally no permit; in-ground pit/bonfire needs permit | Generally no permit; in-ground pit/bonfire needs permit |
| Winter no-burn days | Nov 1 - end of Feb (Rule 421) | Nov 1 - end of Feb (Rule 421) |
| Fire season / Red Flag | Fires may be suspended | Fires may be suspended |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Carmichael FAQ
Can I have a backyard fire in unincorporated Sacramento County?
Yes, a small recreational wood or charcoal fire is allowed under Sac Metro Fire's rules: 3 feet by 2 feet maximum, 25 feet of clearance, constantly attended, with extinguishing equipment ready. You cannot burn trash, leaves, or yard waste.
Can I burn leaves or branches in my backyard fire?
No. Burning leaves, yard trimmings, and household waste is prohibited year-round by the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District. Only clean firewood for a recreational fire is allowed.
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire?
An approved manufactured fire bowl or chiminea used per instructions generally needs no permit, but a temporary in-ground fire pit or ceremonial bonfire requires a Sac Metro Fire burn permit.
Are there days I cannot have a backyard wood fire?
Yes. On no-burn days declared November 1 through the end of February under Sac Metro Air District Rule 421, wood burning is restricted, and fires may be suspended during fire season or Red Flag Warnings.
Fruitridge Pocket FAQ
Can I have a backyard fire in unincorporated Sacramento County?
Yes, a small recreational wood or charcoal fire is allowed under Sac Metro Fire's rules: 3 feet by 2 feet maximum, 25 feet of clearance, constantly attended, with extinguishing equipment ready. You cannot burn trash, leaves, or yard waste.
Can I burn leaves or branches in my backyard fire?
No. Burning leaves, yard trimmings, and household waste is prohibited year-round by the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District. Only clean firewood for a recreational fire is allowed.
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire?
An approved manufactured fire bowl or chiminea used per instructions generally needs no permit, but a temporary in-ground fire pit or ceremonial bonfire requires a Sac Metro Fire burn permit.
Are there days I cannot have a backyard wood fire?
Yes. On no-burn days declared November 1 through the end of February under Sac Metro Air District Rule 421, wood burning is restricted, and fires may be suspended during fire season or Red Flag Warnings.
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