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

Backyard recreational fires in unincorporated Riverside County are regulated by the California Fire Code as adopted by the county, Ordinance No. 787, and CAL FIRE conditions. Permitted recreational fires must be no more than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet tall, burn only seasoned firewood (no trash, leaves, or construction debris), be at least 25 feet from structures and combustible vegetation, and be attended by an adult with water or an extinguisher at hand. Fires must be fully extinguished before leaving. In Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones including Idyllwild, Pine Cove, Anza, and Aguanga, additional restrictions apply and open flame may be prohibited during declared fire weather. All recreational fires are suspended during CAL FIRE Red Flag Warnings and when USFS has issued fire restrictions on adjacent federal lands. Chimineas and portable fire pits must have spark screens. Propane and natural-gas fire features are generally permitted year-round because they don't produce embers, though local rules may still restrict their use during the highest fire-risk conditions.