Backyard recreational fires in San Clemente are tightly limited by adopted Fire Code Section 307 (SCMC Chapter 8.16). Gas features are preferred; wood burning is banned in fuel modification zones and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, and no fires are allowed in high-wind or Red Flag conditions.
SCMC 8.16.050 adopts California Fire Code Section 307, governing backyard fires at residential (Group R) occupancies. Spark-arrested portable fire pits and rings must be at least 3 feet from combustible construction at single-family (R-3) homes (Section 307.6.1). Section 307.6.2.1 prohibits burning wood or solid fuel within any fuel modification zone or VHFHSZ. Section 305.6 bans solid-fuel fires when winds exceed 8 mph with humidity below 25%, on Red Flag days, or when a ban is posted; no fire of any type above 20 mph winds. Because much of San Clemente's coastal hillside and canyon housing lies in a VHFHSZ, gas or propane features with approval are often the only legal option. Barbecues and grills used solely for cooking are exempt.
An illegal backyard fire, or a wood fire in a VHFHSZ or during banned conditions, violates SCMC Chapter 8.16.
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