Costa Mesa allows recreational fires in backyards using approved portable fire pits, chimineas, and cooking fires under SCAQMD and local fire code restrictions. Open burning of yard waste is prohibited. Fires must be attended and extinguished safely.
Costa Mesa permits small recreational fires in residential backyards using manufactured portable fire pits, chimineas, and outdoor fireplaces. Fires must use clean-burning fuels such as dry seasoned wood, manufactured logs, or natural gas/propane. Burning trash, yard waste, construction debris, or treated wood is prohibited under SCAQMD Rule 444 and city fire codes. Fire pits must be placed on non-combustible surfaces at least 15 feet from structures, property lines, and combustible materials. Fires must be attended at all times and a means of extinguishment (garden hose or fire extinguisher) must be readily available. SCAQMD may issue mandatory no-burn alerts during poor air quality days, which apply to Costa Mesa. Costa Mesa Fire Department at (714) 754-5106 responds to fire complaints. Code Enforcement at (714) 754-5623 handles ongoing nuisance issues from smoke.
Burning prohibited materials violates SCAQMD Rule 444 with fines up to $500 for first offenses. Unattended fires or fires creating a hazard may result in fire department response and administrative citations.
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