Backyard Fires: Garden Grove vs Midway City
How do backyard fires rules compare between Garden Grove, CA and Midway City, CA?
Garden Grove and Midway City have similar restriction levels.
Garden Grove, CA
Orange County
Garden Grove allows recreational backyard fires in approved portable devices under OCFA regulations. Fires must be contained in a manufactured fire pit or chiminea with spark arrester, located at least 15 feet from structures and combustible materials. Open ground fires and burning of yard waste are prohibited in Garden Grove. SCAQMD no-burn days must be observed.
View full Garden Grove rules →Midway 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 →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Garden Grove | Midway City |
|---|---|---|
| Setback from Structures | 15 feet minimum | - |
| Container Required | Manufactured pit with spark arrester | - |
| Max Fire Size | 3 ft diameter, 2 ft height | - |
| No-Burn Days | Must check SCAQMD Rule 444 | SCAQMD mandatory compliance |
| OCFA | (714) 573-6000 | (714) 573-6000 |
| Allowed Devices | - | Manufactured fire pits, chimineas |
| Fuel | - | Gas, propane, manufactured logs |
| Clearance | - | 15 ft from structures |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Garden Grove FAQ
Can I have a fire pit in my backyard in Garden Grove?
Yes. Manufactured portable fire pits and chimineas with spark arresters are allowed. They must be at least 15 feet from structures and fences, attended at all times, and not used on SCAQMD no-burn days.
Can I burn yard waste in my backyard in Garden Grove?
No. Open burning of yard waste, trash, and debris is prohibited in Garden Grove. Only clean dry wood or manufactured fire logs may be used in approved portable fire devices.
What are SCAQMD no-burn days?
The South Coast Air Quality Management District declares mandatory no-burn days during winter months when air quality is poor. All recreational burning is prohibited on these days. Check aqmd.gov or call 1-866-966-3293.
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.
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