Backyard Fires: Midway City vs Newport Beach
How do backyard fires rules compare between Midway City, CA and Newport Beach, CA?
Midway City and Newport Beach have similar restriction levels.
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 →Newport Beach, CA
Orange County
Newport Beach allows recreational fires in backyards using portable devices such as chimineas and fire bowls, subject to NBMC and SCAQMD no-burn day restrictions. Fires must be small, contained, and at safe distances from structures and vegetation.
View full Newport Beach rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Midway City | Newport Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Allowed Devices | Manufactured fire pits, chimineas | - |
| Fuel | Gas, propane, manufactured logs | - |
| No-Burn Days | SCAQMD mandatory compliance | SCAQMD mandatory compliance |
| Clearance | 15 ft from structures | - |
| OCFA | (714) 573-6000 | - |
| Device Required | - | Portable, manufactured only |
| Size Limit | - | 3 ft diameter, 2 ft height |
| Setback | - | 15 feet from structures |
| NB Fire | - | (949) 644-3104 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Newport Beach FAQ
Can I have a fire pit in my backyard?
Yes, using approved portable devices like chimineas or manufactured fire bowls. Open bonfires are prohibited on private property.
Are there days I cannot have a fire?
Yes. SCAQMD mandatory no-burn days, typically November through February, prohibit all wood-burning including recreational fires.
How far must a fire be from my house?
At least 15 feet from structures, overhanging branches, and property lines. A garden hose or fire extinguisher must be nearby.
Compare other topics
See how Midway City and Newport Beach 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