Backyard Fires: San Diego vs San Marcos
How do backyard fires rules compare between San Diego, CA and San Marcos, CA?
San Diego and San Marcos have similar restriction levels.
San Diego, CA
San Diego County
San Diego allows backyard recreational fires under San Diego Fire Code Section 511.0307 (adopting 2022 California Fire Code Section 307) when the fire is no more than 3 feet wide and 2 feet tall and at least 25 feet from any structure, or 15 feet for fires in an approved container or portable outdoor fireplace. Fires are banned during Red Flag warnings.
View full San Diego rules →San Marcos, CA
San Diego County
Small recreational backyard fires are allowed in unincorporated San Diego County if at least 25 feet from structures, attended by an adult, and equipped with extinguishing tools. Open burning of trash and yard waste is separately banned without an air-district burn permit. Fires may be prohibited during high fire-danger periods.
View full San Marcos rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Diego | San Marcos |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | SDMC Ch. 5 Art. 11 §511.0307; 2022 CFC §307 | - |
| Max Pile Size | 3 ft diameter x 2 ft tall | - |
| Min Distance (Open Pile) | 25 ft from structures/combustibles | - |
| Min Distance (Container/Chiminea) | 15 ft from structures | - |
| Allowed Fuel | Clean, dry firewood only | - |
| Prohibited Fuel | Rubbish, leaves, construction debris | - |
| Attendance | Constant adult attendance required until out | Adult must attend until out |
| Suppression Required | 4-A extinguisher or water source on hand (CFC 906) | - |
| Red Flag Warning | All open burning prohibited | - |
| Recreational fire distance | - | 25 feet from structures (CFC 307.4.2) |
| Max fuel area | - | 3 ft diameter x 2 ft height |
| Yard/trash burning | - | Banned without APCD permit |
| Allowed fuel | - | Clean dry wood, charcoal, propane, gas |
| High fire danger | - | Fires may be suspended |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Diego FAQ
Can I have a backyard fire pit in the City of San Diego?
Yes. San Diego Fire Code §511.0307, adopting 2022 California Fire Code Section 307, permits recreational fires up to 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet tall placed at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material. Fires inside an approved metal fire pit, chiminea, or portable outdoor fireplace can be as close as 15 feet from a structure. The fire must be attended at all times with extinguishing equipment on hand.
What can I burn in a backyard fire in San Diego?
Only clean, dry firewood is allowed. SDMC §511.0307 and the California Fire Code prohibit burning trash, leaves, yard waste, plastics, treated lumber, or construction debris. The San Diego Air Pollution Control District also restricts burning materials that produce offensive smoke or odor that could be considered a nuisance to neighbors.
When are recreational fires banned in San Diego?
Open burning, recreational fires, and portable outdoor fireplaces are prohibited any time the National Weather Service issues a Red Flag warning or fire weather watch for the region, per CFC Section 307.1.1. The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department can also impose temporary fire bans during periods of high fire danger and may revoke an operational permit for non-compliance.
San Marcos FAQ
Can I burn leaves and yard waste in my backyard?
No, not as a casual fire. Burning vegetation or yard waste is open burning that requires an APCD burn permit from your fire district and is banned for residential properties in the western section (Rule 101). Only clean-wood, charcoal, or propane recreational/cooking fires are exempt.
Are backyard recreational fires ever banned?
Yes. Most of the unincorporated County is a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, so CAL FIRE and the local fire district can prohibit recreational and warming fires during Red Flag warnings and peak fire season. Fires must always be attended with extinguishing tools ready.
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