Buena Park, CA Fire Regulations: Backyard Fires (2026)

Buena Park does not ban backyard recreational fires, but they are regulated under the 2022 California Fire Code, which the city adopts by reference in Title 16 of the Municipal Code (Chapter 16.00, Fire Code Adopted). Fire protection and code enforcement come from the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) under contract. California Fire Code Section 307 defines a recreational fire as an outdoor fire burning materials other than rubbish, where the fuel area is not more than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height, for cooking, warmth or similar purposes. Such a fire must not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material, conditions that could spread fire within 25 feet must be cleared before ignition, and a means of extinguishment (a hose, bucket, dirt, sand or extinguisher) must be readily available and the fire attended until fully out. Portable outdoor fireplaces and chimineas are also covered by the fire code and should follow the manufacturer's clearances. Because Buena Park is in the South Coast Air Basin, burning wood or manufactured fire logs in an outdoor wood-burning device is prohibited on a declared South Coast AQMD residential No-Burn Day. Gas and propane fire features are not subject to the wood No-Burn restriction. The fire code official (OCFA) may order any fire that creates a hazardous condition to be extinguished.