Recreational fires in unincorporated Orange County are permitted in manufactured fire devices using natural gas, propane, or manufactured logs. SCAQMD No-Burn Day restrictions apply. Open fires on the ground are prohibited. Canyon communities face additional restrictions due to wildfire risk.
Orange County Fire Authority permits recreational fires in manufactured portable fire devices (chimineas, fire bowls, portable fire pits) using natural gas, propane, or manufactured firelogs. Wood-burning recreational fires are subject to SCAQMD Rule 445 and mandatory No-Burn Day curtailments during winter months. Open fires directly on the ground are prohibited in all unincorporated areas. Canyon communities including Silverado Canyon, Trabuco Canyon, and Modjeska Canyon face heightened restrictions during Red Flag Warning conditions when all outdoor flames may be prohibited. Fire devices must maintain clearance from structures (typically 15 feet) and combustible materials. A garden hose or fire extinguisher must be readily available. Fires must be attended at all times and fully extinguished before leaving. OCFA at (714) 573-6000 handles fire safety complaints.
Open ground fires: citation and extinguishment. Burning during No-Burn Days: SCAQMD fines starting at $75 for first offense. Unattended fires: OCFA citation. Fires during Red Flag Warnings in canyon areas may result in criminal liability if a wildfire starts.
Midway City, CA
Midway City is an unincorporated CDP in Orange County, CA, surrounded by Westminster. Because it has no city government, Orange County Codified Ordinances Ti...
Orange County, CA
Unincorporated Orange County exempts one small detached non-habitable accessory structure - a shed - per 7,200 square feet of building site area from accesso...
Orange County, CA
Carports in unincorporated Orange County are governed by Section 7-9-70.3(d) of the Codified Ordinances, which requires carports to comply with main-building...
Orange County, CA
Unincorporated Orange County allows the conversion of an existing garage, carport, or accessory structure into an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) under Section...
Orange County, CA
Unincorporated Orange County requires every pool/spa deeper than 18 inches to be enclosed by a barrier at least 60 inches (5 ft) high under California Health...
Orange County, CA
Unincorporated Orange County allows ADUs on any residentially zoned lot under OC Zoning Code (Title 7, Division 9) and California Government Code §65852.2 (A...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle backyard fires.
See how Midway City's backyard fires rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.