Lake Forest, CA Fire Regulations: Backyard Fires (2026)

Lake Forest distinguishes between prohibited 'open burning' (disposing of brush, leaves or trash by fire — not allowed) and a permitted small 'recreational fire' for cooking, warmth or similar purposes. Under the California Fire Code adopted in Municipal Code Chapter 8.24 and enforced by OCFA, a recreational fire is defined as an outdoor fire burning materials other than rubbish where the fuel area is three feet or less in diameter and two feet or less in height. Such a fire 'shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material,' and conditions that could cause it to spread must be eliminated before ignition (Section 307.4.2). A manufactured portable outdoor fireplace must stay at least 15 feet from structures or combustibles (Section 307.4.3), with a recognized exception for these appliances at one- and two-family dwellings, and a bonfire must be at least 50 feet from any structure (Section 307.4.1). Every open burning, bonfire, recreational fire or portable outdoor fireplace must be constantly attended until fully extinguished, with at least one 4-A-rated portable fire extinguisher (or other approved equipment) available for immediate use (Section 307.5). South Coast AQMD no-burn (no recreational wood-burning) advisories may apply on poor-air-quality days. Given the eastern foothills' Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone designation, OCFA can suspend backyard open-flame use during red-flag warnings, and gas appliances are generally the safer option there.