Backyard Fires: Oxnard vs Simi Valley
How do backyard fires rules compare between Oxnard, CA and Simi Valley, CA?
Oxnard and Simi Valley have similar restriction levels.
Oxnard, CA
Ventura County
Oxnard adopts the California Fire Code (CFC). Recreational fires are limited to a 3-foot maximum diameter, must be at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible (15 feet for an approved container), and cannot burn trash, leaves, or yard waste. Open burning generally requires a permit and a VCAPCD burn-day declaration.
View full Oxnard rules →Simi Valley, CA
Ventura County
Backyard fires in unincorporated Ventura County split two ways. Burning yard waste or trash is open burning under VCAPCD Rule 56, with no permitted residential pathway. Small recreational fires are allowed under California Fire Code §307.4.2: a pile no larger than 3 ft × 2 ft, kept 25 ft from structures and attended. Open flame can be banned in Red Flag events.
View full Simi Valley rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Oxnard | Simi Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Code Authority | Oxnard adopts CFC Sec. 307 (Ch. 13 Art. XV) | - |
| Fuel Area | <= 3 ft diameter, <= 2 ft tall | - |
| Setback | >= 25 ft from structures/combustibles | - |
| Approved Container | >= 15 ft setback allowed | - |
| Allowed Fuel | Clean, dry firewood only | - |
| Prohibited | Trash, leaves, brush, yard waste, debris | - |
| Open Burn Permit | Required from Ventura County Fire Dept. | - |
| Air Quality | Burn-day declaration required (VCAPCD Rule 56) | - |
| Supervision | Adult + extinguisher/hose required | - |
| Confirm | Oxnard Fire Prevention (805) 385-7722 | - |
| Burning yard waste/trash | - | No permitted residential pathway (VCAPCD Rule 56) |
| Recreational fire allowed | - | Yes — within CFC §307.4.2 limits |
| Max recreational pile | - | 3 ft diameter × 2 ft high |
| Clearance | - | 25 ft from structures/combustibles |
| Attendance | - | Required + extinguisher/hose on hand (CFC §307.5) |
| High fire danger | - | Open flame may be banned (Red Flag / no-burn days) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Oxnard FAQ
Can I have a backyard fire pit in Oxnard?
Yes - a recreational wood fire is allowed if it is no larger than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet tall, kept at least 25 feet from any structure (15 feet if in an approved container), and supervised with extinguishing equipment ready.
Can I burn leaves or yard waste in my backyard?
No. CFC Sec. 307 prohibits open burning of leaves, brush, garbage, construction debris, and yard waste in Oxnard. Use the City's green-waste cart instead.
Do I need a permit for a propane or gas fire pit?
No permit is needed for listed gas or propane outdoor fireplaces, but the same 25-foot/15-foot clearance and supervision rules apply, and the unit must be used per manufacturer instructions.
Simi Valley FAQ
Can I burn a pile of leaves or branches in my backyard?
No. Burning yard waste or trash is open burning under VCAPCD Rule 56, which has no permitted pathway for residential trash/leaf burning — only permitted agricultural burning of material grown on the property is allowed.
Is a small backyard campfire or recreational fire OK?
Yes, within California Fire Code §307.4.2: a pile no bigger than 3 ft × 2 ft, at least 25 ft from structures, constantly attended, with a hose or extinguisher ready — and not during a Red Flag Warning or no-burn day.
Can the fire department shut down my fire?
Yes. The fire code official may prohibit any open flame when conditions make fires hazardous, which is routine during Santa Ana winds and Red Flag Warnings in this high-fire-risk county.
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