Backyard Fires: Fullerton vs Midway City
How do backyard fires rules compare between Fullerton, CA and Midway City, CA?
Fullerton and Midway City have similar restriction levels.
Fullerton, CA
Orange County
Fullerton allows recreational backyard fires in approved portable outdoor devices such as chimineas, fire bowls, and portable fire pits under the South Coast Air Quality Management District rules and the California Fire Code. Open burning of yard waste and trash is prohibited year-round.
View full Fullerton rules βMidway 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 βKey Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fullerton | Midway City |
|---|---|---|
| Recreational Fires | Allowed in approved portable devices | - |
| Setback | 15 feet from structures | - |
| Open Burning | Prohibited year-round | - |
| No-Burn Days | SCAQMD restricts Nov-Feb | SCAQMD mandatory compliance |
| Fire Department | (714) 738-6500 | - |
| Allowed Devices | - | Manufactured fire pits, chimineas |
| Fuel | - | Gas, propane, manufactured logs |
| Clearance | - | 15 ft from structures |
| OCFA | - | (714) 573-6000 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fullerton FAQ
Can I have a fire pit in my backyard in Fullerton?
Yes, you can use an approved portable fire pit, chiminea, or fire bowl. The fire must be at least 15 feet from structures, constantly attended, and have a means of extinguishment nearby. Use dry seasoned wood or gas.
Can I burn leaves or yard waste in Fullerton?
No. Open burning of yard waste, trash, or debris is prohibited year-round in Fullerton under SCAQMD rules and the California Fire Code. Use the city's green waste collection service instead.
What are SCAQMD no-burn days in Fullerton?
During the winter months, typically November through February, SCAQMD may declare no-burn days when air quality is poor. On these days, wood-burning in outdoor fire devices is restricted. Check SCAQMD.gov for current no-burn 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.
Compare other topics
See how Fullerton and Midway City compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool