Fire Pit Rules: El Cajon vs San Diego
How do fire pit rules rules compare between El Cajon, CA and San Diego, CA?
El Cajon and San Diego have similar restriction levels.
El Cajon, CA
San Diego County
El Cajon allows recreational fires under California Fire Code provisions. Fire pits must maintain required setbacks from structures and combustible materials. Gas fire features require plumbing permits. All fires prohibited during Red Flag Warnings.
View full El Cajon rules →San Diego, CA
San Diego County
San Diego permits recreational fires under SDMC Chapter 5, Article 11 (Fire Code). Fires in approved containers must be at least 15 feet from structures; open recreational fires (max 3 ft diameter, 2 ft height) require 25 feet clearance. Must be constantly attended with extinguishing equipment available.
View full San Diego rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Cajon | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Permits | Gas/plumbing permits | - |
| Red Flag | All fires prohibited | - |
| Fuel | Gas, propane, dry wood | - |
| Fire Dept | Heartland Fire & Rescue | - |
| Open Fire Clearance | - | 25 feet from structures |
| Container Clearance | - | 15 feet from structures |
| Max Open Size | - | 3 ft diameter, 2 ft height |
| Attendance | - | Constantly attended |
| Code | - | SDMC Ch. 5, Art. 11 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
El Cajon FAQ
Are fire pits allowed in residential areas in El Cajon?
El Cajon allows recreational fires under California Fire Code provisions. Fire pits must maintain required setbacks from structures and combustible materials. Gas fire features require plumbing permits. All fires prohibited during Red Flag Warnings.
What are the fire pit setback requirements in El Cajon?
Permits: Gas/plumbing permits. Red Flag: All fires prohibited. Fuel: Gas, propane, dry wood. Fire Dept: Heartland Fire & Rescue.
San Diego FAQ
Can I have a fire pit in my backyard in San Diego?
Yes. Fires in approved containers need 15 feet clearance from structures. Open recreational fires (max 3 ft diameter) need 25 feet. Must be constantly attended with extinguishing equipment available.
Are fire pits banned during fire season?
During Red Flag warnings or declared high fire danger conditions, the Fire Chief may prohibit all outdoor fires including recreational fire pits.
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