Backyard Fires: Galt vs Isleton
How do backyard fires rules compare between Galt, CA and Isleton, CA?
Galt and Isleton have similar restriction levels.
Galt, CA
Sacramento County
Backyard recreational fires in Galt are allowed in approved containers using clean wood or gas fuel, subject to SMAQMD no-burn days. Burning yard waste or trash is prohibited. Red Flag Warnings or high winds suspend wood burning regardless of container type.
View full Galt rules →Isleton, CA
Sacramento County
Backyard recreational fires are allowed in most unincorporated Sacramento County under Sacramento Metro Fire's California Fire Code rules - 3 feet by 2 feet maximum, 25 feet of clearance, constantly attended, with extinguishing equipment on hand. Burning trash, leaves, or yard waste in the backyard is prohibited by Sac Metro Air District, and no-burn days apply in winter.
View full Isleton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Galt | Isleton |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | Clean wood, charcoal, propane, natural gas | - |
| Max size | 3 ft by 2 ft | - |
| Clearance | 15 ft from structures | - |
| Prohibited | Trash, leaves, yard waste | - |
| Supervision | Adult present until out | - |
| Recreational backyard fire | - | Allowed (3 ft x 2 ft, 25 ft clearance, attended) |
| Extinguisher on site | - | Min. 4-A rated or hose/water/sand (CFC 307.5) |
| Burning trash/leaves/yard waste | - | Prohibited year-round (Sac Metro Air District) |
| Manufactured fire bowl/chiminea | - | Generally no permit; in-ground pit/bonfire needs permit |
| Winter no-burn days | - | Nov 1 - end of Feb (Rule 421) |
| Fire season / Red Flag | - | Fires may be suspended |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Galt FAQ
Can I use my chiminea on a no-burn day?
Not with wood. Switch to a propane or natural gas unit, which SMAQMD exempts from most wood-smoke restrictions.
Is a patio fire pit on a wood deck allowed?
Only if it is a listed device and installed per the manufacturer's instructions. Open wood fires on combustible decks are not allowed.
Isleton FAQ
Can I have a backyard fire in unincorporated Sacramento County?
Yes, a small recreational wood or charcoal fire is allowed under Sac Metro Fire's rules: 3 feet by 2 feet maximum, 25 feet of clearance, constantly attended, with extinguishing equipment ready. You cannot burn trash, leaves, or yard waste.
Can I burn leaves or branches in my backyard fire?
No. Burning leaves, yard trimmings, and household waste is prohibited year-round by the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District. Only clean firewood for a recreational fire is allowed.
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire?
An approved manufactured fire bowl or chiminea used per instructions generally needs no permit, but a temporary in-ground fire pit or ceremonial bonfire requires a Sac Metro Fire burn permit.
Are there days I cannot have a backyard wood fire?
Yes. On no-burn days declared November 1 through the end of February under Sac Metro Air District Rule 421, wood burning is restricted, and fires may be suspended during fire season or Red Flag Warnings.
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