Backyard Fires: El Cajon vs Vista
How do backyard fires rules compare between El Cajon, CA and Vista, CA?
El Cajon and Vista have similar restriction levels.
El Cajon, CA
San Diego County
Small recreational backyard fires are allowed in unincorporated San Diego County if at least 25 feet from structures, attended by an adult, and equipped with extinguishing tools. Open burning of trash and yard waste is separately banned without an air-district burn permit. Fires may be prohibited during high fire-danger periods.
View full El Cajon rules →Vista, CA
San Diego County
Small recreational backyard fires are allowed in unincorporated San Diego County if at least 25 feet from structures, attended by an adult, and equipped with extinguishing tools. Open burning of trash and yard waste is separately banned without an air-district burn permit. Fires may be prohibited during high fire-danger periods.
View full Vista rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Cajon | Vista |
|---|---|---|
| Recreational fire distance | 25 feet from structures (CFC 307.4.2) | 25 feet from structures (CFC 307.4.2) |
| Max fuel area | 3 ft diameter x 2 ft height | 3 ft diameter x 2 ft height |
| Yard/trash burning | Banned without APCD permit | Banned without APCD permit |
| Allowed fuel | Clean dry wood, charcoal, propane, gas | Clean dry wood, charcoal, propane, gas |
| Attendance | Adult must attend until out | Adult must attend until out |
| High fire danger | Fires may be suspended | Fires may be suspended |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
El Cajon FAQ
Can I burn leaves and yard waste in my backyard?
No, not as a casual fire. Burning vegetation or yard waste is open burning that requires an APCD burn permit from your fire district and is banned for residential properties in the western section (Rule 101). Only clean-wood, charcoal, or propane recreational/cooking fires are exempt.
Are backyard recreational fires ever banned?
Yes. Most of the unincorporated County is a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, so CAL FIRE and the local fire district can prohibit recreational and warming fires during Red Flag warnings and peak fire season. Fires must always be attended with extinguishing tools ready.
Vista FAQ
Can I burn leaves and yard waste in my backyard?
No, not as a casual fire. Burning vegetation or yard waste is open burning that requires an APCD burn permit from your fire district and is banned for residential properties in the western section (Rule 101). Only clean-wood, charcoal, or propane recreational/cooking fires are exempt.
Are backyard recreational fires ever banned?
Yes. Most of the unincorporated County is a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, so CAL FIRE and the local fire district can prohibit recreational and warming fires during Red Flag warnings and peak fire season. Fires must always be attended with extinguishing tools ready.
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