Backyard fires in unincorporated Ventura County split two ways. Burning yard waste or trash is open burning under VCAPCD Rule 56, with no permitted residential pathway. Small recreational fires are allowed under California Fire Code §307.4.2: a pile no larger than 3 ft × 2 ft, kept 25 ft from structures and attended. Open flame can be banned in Red Flag events.
A backyard 'burn pile' of leaves, trimmings, or trash is treated as open burning, not a recreational fire. Under VCAPCD Rule 56, open burning requires a permit and is essentially limited to agricultural plant material grown on the property; trash burning is prohibited and household yard-waste burning has no permitted residential pathway. By contrast, a small recreational fire for warmth, cooking, or ambiance is allowed under the 2022 California Fire Code adopted by the VCFPD (Ordinance 32). CFC §307.4.2 caps the fuel pile at 3 ft in diameter by 2 ft high and requires at least 25 ft of clearance from structures and combustibles; CFC §307.5 requires constant attendance until the fire is extinguished, with a 4-A-rated extinguisher or equivalent (hose/water) immediately available. Gas-fueled fire features and patio heaters using listed appliances are generally allowed with reduced clearance. Because much of unincorporated Ventura County lies in High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones — the county saw the 2017 Thomas Fire and 2018 Woolsey Fire — the fire code official routinely prohibits open flame during Santa Ana wind events and Red Flag Warnings, and the air district can call no-burn days. Always confirm conditions before lighting any outdoor fire.
Unpermitted open/trash burning draws a Notice of Violation from VCAPCD with possible fine or DA referral. Recreational fires that violate California Fire Code limits, or any fire kept during a Red Flag Warning or no-burn day, are citable by the fire department, which may order immediate extinguishment. If a backyard fire escapes and causes a wildfire, the responsible party may be billed for suppression costs under California Health & Safety Code §13009.
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