Backyard Fires: Costa Mesa vs Garden Grove
How do backyard fires rules compare between Costa Mesa, CA and Garden Grove, CA?
Costa Mesa and Garden Grove have similar restriction levels.
Costa Mesa, CA
Orange County
Costa Mesa allows recreational fires in backyards using approved portable fire pits, chimineas, and cooking fires under SCAQMD and local fire code restrictions. Open burning of yard waste is prohibited. Fires must be attended and extinguished safely.
View full Costa Mesa rules →Garden Grove, CA
Orange County
Garden Grove allows recreational backyard fires in approved portable devices under OCFA regulations. Fires must be contained in a manufactured fire pit or chiminea with spark arrester, located at least 15 feet from structures and combustible materials. Open ground fires and burning of yard waste are prohibited in Garden Grove. SCAQMD no-burn days must be observed.
View full Garden Grove rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Costa Mesa | Garden Grove |
|---|---|---|
| Allowed Devices | Portable fire pits, chimineas, gas | - |
| Setback | 15 ft from structures minimum | - |
| Yard Waste Burning | Prohibited (SCAQMD Rule 444) | - |
| No-Burn Days | SCAQMD mandatory alerts apply | Must check SCAQMD Rule 444 |
| Fire Dept | (714) 754-5106 | - |
| Setback from Structures | - | 15 feet minimum |
| Container Required | - | Manufactured pit with spark arrester |
| Max Fire Size | - | 3 ft diameter, 2 ft height |
| OCFA | - | (714) 573-6000 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Costa Mesa FAQ
Can I have a fire pit in my Costa Mesa backyard?
Yes. Manufactured portable fire pits, chimineas, and gas fire features are allowed. Keep them at least 15 feet from structures and always attended.
Can I burn leaves or yard waste in Costa Mesa?
No. Open burning of yard waste is prohibited under SCAQMD Rule 444. Use city green waste collection instead.
What about no-burn days in Costa Mesa?
SCAQMD issues mandatory no-burn alerts during poor air quality days. Wood-burning fires are prohibited during these alerts. Check SCAQMD.gov for current status.
Garden Grove FAQ
Can I have a fire pit in my backyard in Garden Grove?
Yes. Manufactured portable fire pits and chimineas with spark arresters are allowed. They must be at least 15 feet from structures and fences, attended at all times, and not used on SCAQMD no-burn days.
Can I burn yard waste in my backyard in Garden Grove?
No. Open burning of yard waste, trash, and debris is prohibited in Garden Grove. Only clean dry wood or manufactured fire logs may be used in approved portable fire devices.
What are SCAQMD no-burn days?
The South Coast Air Quality Management District declares mandatory no-burn days during winter months when air quality is poor. All recreational burning is prohibited on these days. Check aqmd.gov or call 1-866-966-3293.
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