Backyard recreational fires in Rancho Cordova must comply with Metro Fire and California Fire Code standards and are subject to SMAQMD No Burn day restrictions. Fires must be attended, extinguishing means kept nearby, and only clean seasoned wood used.
Under California Fire Code Section 307.4.2, recreational fires at residential properties are limited to a total fuel area no larger than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high, set back at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material when not in an approved fire pit or chiminea. When contained in a commercially manufactured fire pit with a spark screen, the setback reduces to 15 feet. A responsible adult must attend the fire continuously with a garden hose or extinguisher ready. Burning leaves, garbage, or construction debris is prohibited. On SMAQMD Check Before You Burn No Burn days, wood fires are banned regardless of location. Natural gas and propane appliances are exempt from No Burn day rules.
Unattended or oversized fires can draw Metro Fire orders to extinguish and administrative citations. No Burn day violations can trigger SMAQMD fines starting at 50 dollars for a first warning and escalating to 500 dollars or more.
See how other cities in Sacramento County handle backyard fires.
See how Rancho Cordova's backyard fires rules stack up against other locations.
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