Recreational backyard fires in Carlsbad are regulated under the California Fire Code as adopted in Carlsbad Municipal Code Title 17. Open burning is prohibited; only contained recreational fires using clean dry wood or propane/natural-gas fire features are permitted, and all fires are subject to San Diego County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) burn-day rules.
Carlsbad adopts the California Fire Code by reference in CMC Title 17. CFC Section 307.4.2 limits recreational fires to a total fuel area no greater than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height, located at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material. Portable outdoor fireplaces must be set back at least 15 feet from a structure. All open burning, including yard waste and trash, is prohibited city-wide; the San Diego APCD must declare a 'permissive burn day' before any open burning can legally occur, and Carlsbad does not issue residential open-burn permits. Fires must be attended at all times and extinguished by a hose, bucket of water, or fire extinguisher.
Violation of the Fire Code is a misdemeanor under CFC Section 109 and can carry fines up to $1,000 per day. During red flag warnings or fire weather watches, the Carlsbad Fire Marshal may issue an emergency burn ban; violators may be charged with reckless burning under California Penal Code 452 (felony if structures are damaged).
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