Backyard Fires: Irvine vs Santa Ana
How do backyard fires rules compare between Irvine, CA and Santa Ana, CA?
Irvine and Santa Ana have similar restriction levels.
Irvine, CA
Orange County
Backyard recreational fires are allowed in unincorporated Orange County under the California Fire Code, subject to OCFA limits: a fuel pile no larger than 3 feet across and 2 feet high, at least 25 feet from any structure, constant attendance, and a ban during high winds (over 8 mph), low humidity (under 25%), Red Flag conditions, or AQMD no-burn days.
View full Irvine rules →Santa Ana, CA
Orange County
Backyard recreational fires are allowed in unincorporated Orange County under the California Fire Code, subject to OCFA limits: a fuel pile no larger than 3 feet across and 2 feet high, at least 25 feet from any structure, constant attendance, and a ban during high winds (over 8 mph), low humidity (under 25%), Red Flag conditions, or AQMD no-burn days.
View full Santa Ana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Irvine | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Allowed? | Yes - as a recreational fire under CFC 307.4.2 | Yes - as a recreational fire under CFC 307.4.2 |
| Maximum fuel pile | 3 ft diameter, 2 ft height | 3 ft diameter, 2 ft height |
| Setback from structures | At least 25 ft (CFC 307.4.2) | At least 25 ft (CFC 307.4.2) |
| Attendance/extinguisher | Constant attendance + extinguishment means (CFC 307.5) | Constant attendance + extinguishment means (CFC 307.5) |
| Weather ban (wood/solid fuel) | Winds >8 mph + humidity <25%, or Red Flag | Winds >8 mph + humidity <25%, or Red Flag |
| Canyon VHFHSZ areas | Silverado, Modjeska, Trabuco - extra fire-season caution | Silverado, Modjeska, Trabuco - extra fire-season caution |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Irvine FAQ
Are backyard fires allowed in unincorporated Orange County?
Yes. A backyard recreational fire is allowed under California Fire Code 307.4.2 if the fuel pile stays within 3 feet diameter and 2 feet height and is at least 25 feet from any structure, with constant attendance and an extinguisher available.
When are backyard fires banned?
OCFA prohibits wood or solid-fuel fires when sustained winds exceed 8 mph and humidity is below 25%, during Red Flag conditions, or when a no-burn sign is posted. AQMD no-burn days (Nov-Feb) also ban outdoor wood burning.
Are the rules stricter in the canyons?
Yes. Silverado, Modjeska, and Trabuco canyons sit in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, so backyard fires warrant extra caution and may be prohibited entirely during fire season or Red Flag warnings.
Santa Ana FAQ
Are backyard fires allowed in unincorporated Orange County?
Yes. A backyard recreational fire is allowed under California Fire Code 307.4.2 if the fuel pile stays within 3 feet diameter and 2 feet height and is at least 25 feet from any structure, with constant attendance and an extinguisher available.
When are backyard fires banned?
OCFA prohibits wood or solid-fuel fires when sustained winds exceed 8 mph and humidity is below 25%, during Red Flag conditions, or when a no-burn sign is posted. AQMD no-burn days (Nov-Feb) also ban outdoor wood burning.
Are the rules stricter in the canyons?
Yes. Silverado, Modjeska, and Trabuco canyons sit in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, so backyard fires warrant extra caution and may be prohibited entirely during fire season or Red Flag warnings.
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