Backyard Fires: Simi Valley vs Ventura
How do backyard fires rules compare between Simi Valley, CA and Ventura, CA?
Simi Valley has fewer restrictions than Ventura.
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 →Ventura, CA
Ventura County
Ventura adopts the California Fire Code through SBMC Title 14 Chapter 14.10, which controls backyard recreational fires under CFC Section 307. Fires must be no more than 3 feet across and 2 feet high, used between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., and the fire code official may prohibit them on Red Flag or high-wind days.
View full Ventura rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Simi Valley | Ventura |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | - |
| Authority | - | SBMC Title 14 Ch. 14.10 (CFC adoption) |
| Max Fire Size | - | 3 ft wide x 2 ft high |
| Setback from Structure | - | 25 ft (recreational); 15 ft (chiminea) |
| Allowed Hours | - | 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. (VCFD Std 404) |
| Allowed Fuel | - | Seasoned firewood, propane, natural gas |
| Prohibited | - | Yard waste, trash, construction debris |
| Red Flag Days | - | Fire code official may prohibit |
| VHFHSZ | - | Brush clearance required by June 1 |
| Confirm With | - | Ventura Fire Marshal (805) 339-4337 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Ventura FAQ
Are backyard fire pits legal in Ventura?
Yes, recreational fires are allowed under the California Fire Code as adopted by SBMC Title 14 Chapter 14.10, but a recreational fire pit must be no more than 3 feet across and 2 feet high, kept at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material, and constantly attended with water on hand. Chimineas and portable outdoor fireplaces must be at least 15 feet from a structure under CFC 307.4.3.
What hours can I use my fire pit in Ventura?
Per Ventura County Fire Department Standard 404, recreational fires are permitted between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. The fire code official is also authorized under CFC Section 307.1.1, as adopted in SBMC 14.10.020, to prohibit recreational fires on Red Flag warning days, anticipated high-wind events, or whenever atmospheric conditions raise the risk of an uncontrolled fire.
Can I burn yard waste or trash in my backyard?
No. Open burning of yard waste, trash, and construction debris is prohibited in Ventura. Only seasoned firewood or clean propane and natural gas may be used in a recreational fire or portable outdoor fireplace. Yard waste must go through the City's green-waste collection. Properties in High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones must also clear brush by June 1 under the City's Fire Hazard Reduction Program.
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