Backyard Fires: Petaluma vs Rohnert Park
How do backyard fires rules compare between Petaluma, CA and Rohnert Park, CA?
Petaluma and Rohnert Park have similar restriction levels.
Petaluma, CA
Sonoma County
Recreational and waste backyard fires in unincorporated Sonoma County are tightly restricted. Open burning requires a permit under Sonoma County Code Section 13-71 (Fire Code Section 307.2), can only occur on declared permissive burn days, and only natural vegetation may be burned. Recreational fires (small wood fires) are allowed under CFC Section 307.4.2 only when at least 25 ft from combustibles. Burn bans, red-flag warnings, and suspension orders under Section 13-71(d) can stop all burning instantly.
View full Petaluma rules →Rohnert Park, CA
Sonoma County
Recreational and waste backyard fires in unincorporated Sonoma County are tightly restricted. Open burning requires a permit under Sonoma County Code Section 13-71 (Fire Code Section 307.2), can only occur on declared permissive burn days, and only natural vegetation may be burned. Recreational fires (small wood fires) are allowed under CFC Section 307.4.2 only when at least 25 ft from combustibles. Burn bans, red-flag warnings, and suspension orders under Section 13-71(d) can stop all burning instantly.
View full Rohnert Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Petaluma | Rohnert Park |
|---|---|---|
| Open burn permit | Required (County Code Section 13-71) | Required (County Code Section 13-71) |
| Bonfire/rubbish-fire permit | Required (Section 105.5.54(5)) | Required (Section 105.5.54(5)) |
| Recreational fire setback | 25 ft (CFC 307.4.2) | 25 ft (CFC 307.4.2) |
| Recreational fire size | Max 3 ft diameter x 2 ft high | Max 3 ft diameter x 2 ft high |
| Allowed material | Natural vegetation only | Natural vegetation only |
| Attendance | Adult required on site | Adult required on site |
| Suspension authority | Section 13-71(d) | Section 13-71(d) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Petaluma FAQ
Is a small backyard wood fire ever allowed?
Yes, under CFC Section 307.4.2 a recreational fire of up to 3 ft diameter and 2 ft high, located at least 25 ft from any combustible structure or material, is allowed in a permanent or portable outdoor fireplace, subject to burn-day status and any active suspension. Always check current red-flag and burn-ban status before lighting.
Can the County stop all burning during dry conditions?
Yes. Under Section 13-71(d) of the Sonoma County Code, Permit Sonoma's Fire Prevention Division can suspend all open burning countywide when high fire-hazard conditions exist. Permits are then invalid until the suspension is lifted.
Who pays if a backyard fire spreads?
Under Fire Code Section 107.6 and California H&S Code Sections 13009 and 13009.1, the fire agency can bill suppression and EMS costs directly to the responsible party as a contractual debt. Government Code Section 53150 et seq. adds liability for negligent or unlawful emergency responses.
Rohnert Park FAQ
Is a small backyard wood fire ever allowed?
Yes, under CFC Section 307.4.2 a recreational fire of up to 3 ft diameter and 2 ft high, located at least 25 ft from any combustible structure or material, is allowed in a permanent or portable outdoor fireplace, subject to burn-day status and any active suspension. Always check current red-flag and burn-ban status before lighting.
Can the County stop all burning during dry conditions?
Yes. Under Section 13-71(d) of the Sonoma County Code, Permit Sonoma's Fire Prevention Division can suspend all open burning countywide when high fire-hazard conditions exist. Permits are then invalid until the suspension is lifted.
Who pays if a backyard fire spreads?
Under Fire Code Section 107.6 and California H&S Code Sections 13009 and 13009.1, the fire agency can bill suppression and EMS costs directly to the responsible party as a contractual debt. Government Code Section 53150 et seq. adds liability for negligent or unlawful emergency responses.
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