Backyard Fires: Costa Mesa vs Midway City
How do backyard fires rules compare between Costa Mesa, CA and Midway City, CA?
Costa Mesa and Midway City 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 →Midway City, CA
Orange County
Recreational fires in unincorporated Orange County are permitted in manufactured fire devices using natural gas, propane, or manufactured logs. SCAQMD No-Burn Day restrictions apply. Open fires on the ground are prohibited. Canyon communities face additional restrictions due to wildfire risk.
View full Midway City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Costa Mesa | Midway City |
|---|---|---|
| Allowed Devices | Portable fire pits, chimineas, gas | Manufactured fire pits, chimineas |
| Setback | 15 ft from structures minimum | - |
| Yard Waste Burning | Prohibited (SCAQMD Rule 444) | - |
| No-Burn Days | SCAQMD mandatory alerts apply | SCAQMD mandatory compliance |
| Fire Dept | (714) 754-5106 | - |
| Fuel | - | Gas, propane, manufactured logs |
| Clearance | - | 15 ft from structures |
| 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.
Midway City FAQ
Can I have a fire pit in my backyard?
Yes, using manufactured portable fire devices with gas, propane, or manufactured logs. Keep 15 feet from structures and have water available. Check SCAQMD No-Burn Day status.
Can I burn wood in my fire pit?
Wood-burning fires are subject to SCAQMD restrictions and banned on No-Burn Days. Gas or propane devices are more reliably permitted year-round.
Are there extra rules in canyon areas?
Yes. Silverado, Trabuco, and Modjeska Canyon communities face additional restrictions during Red Flag Warnings when all outdoor flames may be prohibited.
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