San Diego allows backyard recreational fires under San Diego Fire Code Section 511.0307 (adopting 2022 California Fire Code Section 307) when the fire is no more than 3 feet wide and 2 feet tall and at least 25 feet from any structure, or 15 feet for fires in an approved container or portable outdoor fireplace. Fires are banned during Red Flag warnings.
The City of San Diego Fire Code (SDMC Chapter 5, Article 11) adopts the 2022 California Fire Code, including Section 307 (codified locally as §511.0307), governing open burning, recreational fires, and portable outdoor fireplaces. A recreational fire must not exceed 3 feet in diameter or 2 feet in height and must be at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material. Fires in approved containers, chimineas, or portable outdoor fireplaces must be at least 15 feet from any structure. Fuel is limited to clean, dry firewood; burning rubbish, leaves, or construction debris is prohibited. The fire must be constantly attended until extinguished, with a portable fire extinguisher (minimum 4-A rating per CFC Section 906) or equivalent water source on hand. Open burning and recreational fires are prohibited when the National Weather Service issues a Red Flag warning or fire weather watch. Permanent fire features wider than 3 feet may require an operational permit from San Diego Fire-Rescue.
A fire larger than 3 feet wide or 2 feet tall, sited closer than 25 feet (or 15 feet for an approved container) to a structure, burning prohibited fuels, left unattended, or operated during a Red Flag warning violates §511.0307 and CFC 307. SDFD may issue citations and stop the burn; reignition during a fire ban can support enhanced penalties.
See how other cities in San Diego County handle backyard fires.
See how San Diego's backyard fires rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.