Fire Pit Rules: Courtland vs Vineyard
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Courtland, CA and Vineyard, CA?
Courtland and Vineyard have similar restriction levels.
Courtland, CA
Sacramento County
Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District applies the California Fire Code to recreational fires in most unincorporated areas. A recreational fire is limited to 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height, with at least 25 feet of clearance from structures and combustibles, must be constantly attended, and must have on-site fire-extinguishing equipment available.
View full Courtland rules →Vineyard, CA
Sacramento County
Manufactured residential fire pits (gas or contained wood) are allowed in Vineyard under California Fire Code §307.4.2 if kept at least 25 feet from structures, never left unattended, and used only with seasoned dry firewood. SMAQMD 'Check Before You Burn' restrictions apply November-February.
View full Vineyard rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Courtland | Vineyard |
|---|---|---|
| Max recreational fire size | 3 ft diameter x 2 ft height (CFC 307.4.2) | - |
| Clearance from structures/combustibles | At least 25 feet | - |
| Attendance | Must be constantly attended until extinguished | - |
| Extinguisher | Min. 4-A rated, or hose/water/sand on site (CFC 307.5) | - |
| Burn permit | Required for temporary fire pits and ceremonial bonfires (Sac Metro Fire) | - |
| No-burn days | Wood burning restricted Nov 1 - end of Feb on declared days | - |
| Code Reference | - | CFC §307.4.2 (SCC Title 16) |
| Clearance | - | 25 ft from structures (wood); 15 ft (gas) |
| Burn Season Advisory | - | Nov 1 - Feb 28 SMAQMD Check Before You Burn |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Courtland FAQ
Can I have a backyard fire pit in unincorporated Sacramento County?
Yes. Sacramento Metro Fire allows recreational fires up to 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet tall, with at least 25 feet of clearance from structures and combustibles, constant attendance, and on-site extinguishing equipment per the California Fire Code.
Do I need a burn permit for a fire pit?
Sac Metro Fire requires a burn permit for temporary fire pits and ceremonial bonfires. Recreational fires in an approved manufactured container used per instructions are generally allowed without a permit.
How far does my fire pit need to be from the house?
At least 25 feet from any structure or other combustible material, including dry grass and shrubbery, per California Fire Code Section 307.4.2 as applied by Sac Metro Fire.
Can I use my fire pit during winter?
Check before you burn. From November 1 through the end of February, Sac Metro Air District can declare no-burn days under Rule 421, when wood burning is restricted regardless of fire-code allowances.
Vineyard FAQ
How far does my fire pit need to be from the house?
At least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material under California Fire Code §307.4.2 (15 feet for approved gas-fueled units).
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