Redlands, CA Fire Regulations: Backyard Fires (2026)

The City of Redlands does not have a separate backyard-fire ordinance; it regulates outdoor fires through the 2022 California Fire Code, which it adopted by reference in City Code Section 15.20.010 and which is enforced by the Redlands Fire Department. Under California Fire Code Section 307, an outdoor 'recreational fire' for cooking, warmth, or pleasure must burn only clean, dry wood, may not exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height, and must be kept at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material; a manufactured portable outdoor fireplace may be used no closer than 15 feet. Fires must be constantly attended until fully extinguished, and a garden hose or other approved extinguishing equipment must be readily available. Burning of trash, leaves, construction debris, or other waste is not a recreational fire and is prohibited under South Coast AQMD Rule 444. During the winter wood-burning season, South Coast AQMD's Rule 445 'No-Burn' alerts prohibit any wood or solid-fuel fire -- indoor or outdoor -- on declared days. Residents on foothill lots inside the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone should be especially cautious and check with the Fire Department before lighting any outdoor fire during fire season.