Oxnard adopts the California Fire Code (CFC). Recreational fires are limited to a 3-foot maximum diameter, must be at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible (15 feet for an approved container), and cannot burn trash, leaves, or yard waste. Open burning generally requires a permit and a VCAPCD burn-day declaration.
Oxnard adopts the California Fire Code (CFC) by reference in the Oxnard City Code Ch. 13 Art. XV. CFC Sec. 307 governs open burning and recreational fires. A recreational fire (cooking, pleasure, religious, ceremonial) may be burned only in clean, dry wood with a fuel area of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height. The fire must be at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material; portable outdoor fireplaces or approved containers may be placed as close as 15 feet. Open burning of leaves, brush, garbage, construction debris, or yard waste is prohibited. Agricultural and other open burns require a permit from the Ventura County Fire Department and must occur on a permissive burn day declared by the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD Rule 56). Fires must be supervised by a competent person with a means of extinguishment (hose, extinguisher, shovel) on hand, and shall be extinguished if they create a hazard or nuisance. The Oxnard Fire Marshal may prohibit any open or recreational fire when atmospheric, wildfire, or air-quality conditions warrant.
Unlawful burning is a CFC Sec. 109 violation prosecutable as an infraction or misdemeanor; the Fire Marshal may order immediate extinguishment and recover suppression costs. Burning prohibited materials may also incur VCAPCD penalties. Unattended fires that escape can result in civil liability for damages.
See how other cities in Ventura County handle backyard fires.
See how Oxnard's backyard fires rules stack up against other locations.
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