Sacramento County, CA Fire Regulations: Backyard Fires (2026)

A backyard recreational fire (a small wood or charcoal fire for warmth or cooking) is treated as a recreational fire under the California Fire Code in areas served by Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District. Per Sac Metro Fire, the fire must be 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height (CFC 307.4.2), with at least 25 feet of clearance from any structure or combustible material including dry grass and shrubbery, must be constantly attended until extinguished, and must have a minimum 4-A rated extinguisher or equivalent on-site equipment (hose, water, sand, dirt) available for immediate use (CFC 307.5). What you may NOT do in a backyard fire is burn rubbish, garbage, leaves, or yard waste - residential open burning of those materials is prohibited year-round by the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District. Approved manufactured outdoor fireplaces and chimineas used per manufacturer instructions are generally allowed without a burn permit, while temporary in-ground fire pits and ceremonial bonfires require a Sac Metro Fire burn permit. From November 1 through the end of February, the Sac Metro Air District 'Check Before You Burn' program (Rule 421) can declare no-burn days that restrict wood burning. During fire season and Red Flag Warnings, fire agencies may suspend outdoor fires entirely.