Backyard recreational fires are allowed in unincorporated Orange County under the California Fire Code, subject to OCFA limits: a fuel pile no larger than 3 feet across and 2 feet high, at least 25 feet from any structure, constant attendance, and a ban during high winds (over 8 mph), low humidity (under 25%), Red Flag conditions, or AQMD no-burn days.
A 'backyard fire' for warmth or cooking is treated as a recreational fire under California Fire Code Section 307.4.2, which OCFA enforces in unincorporated Orange County. The fuel area must not exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height, and the fire must be at least 25 feet (7,620 mm) from any structure or combustible material. A manufactured portable outdoor fireplace falls under Section 307.4.3 - generally 15 feet from structures, though that setback does not apply at one- and two-family dwellings. Under Section 307.5, the fire must be constantly attended until fully extinguished and an approved means of extinguishment (such as a fire extinguisher, water supply, or dirt and shovel) must be immediately available. OCFA prohibits wood or other solid-fuel outdoor fires when predicted sustained winds exceed 8 mph and relative humidity is below 25 percent, or when a Red Flag condition has been declared or a no-burn sign is posted by the fire code official. In the canyon communities (Silverado, Modjeska, Trabuco) that lie in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, backyard fires are especially restricted during fire season. During the South Coast AQMD 'Check Before You Burn' season (Nov-Feb), outdoor wood burning is also banned on no-burn days.
The fire code official may order an unsafe or non-compliant backyard fire extinguished under California Fire Code Section 307.3, and fire-code violations are generally charged as misdemeanors. Burning wood on an AQMD no-burn day is separately enforceable by South Coast AQMD with administrative fines. During Red Flag warnings or declared burn bans, all outdoor solid-fuel fires may be prohibited regardless of setback.
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