Backyard Fires: Thousand Oaks vs Ventura
How do backyard fires rules compare between Thousand Oaks, CA and Ventura, CA?
Thousand Oaks, CA
Ventura County
No data available yet for Thousand Oaks.
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 | Thousand Oaks | Ventura |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Thousand Oaks FAQ
No FAQs available.
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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