Kings County, CA Fire Regulations: Backyard Fires (2026)

Two layers of rules govern backyard fires in unincorporated Kings County. First, Kings County Code Section 10-1 adopts the 2019 California Fire Code, under which a backyard recreational fire (California Fire Code Section 307.4.2) is allowed if it is no more than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high and is kept at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material; manufactured fire pits must be at least 15 feet away (Section 307.4.3). Section 308 limits charcoal and open-flame cooking devices near combustible construction, with an exception for one- and two-family dwellings. Second, Kings County Code Section 10-6 makes it unlawful to leave any fire unattended; before leaving, the person in charge must thoroughly extinguish it by covering it with dirt, saturating it with water, or otherwise preventing rekindling. Section 10-5 confirms that no permit relieves a person from liability for an escaped fire. Burning leaves, prunings, or household trash in the backyard is not allowed because Kings County is in the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, where residential open burning is prohibited and the county fire department no longer issues burn permits. Wood-burning fire pits are also subject to 'Check Before You Burn' no-burn days from November through February under SJVAPCD Rule 4901.