Santa Ana Backyard Fire Regulations Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Santa Ana adopts and enforces the California Fire Code through Municipal Code Chapter 15, which governs all aspects of fire prevention including open burning and recreational fires on residential property. Under the California Fire Code, a recreational fire is defined as an outdoor fire that does not exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height, used for pleasure, cooking, warmth, or ceremonial purposes, where the fuel is not contained in an approved outdoor fireplace or portable fire pit. Fires meeting this definition are permitted in residential backyards provided they maintain a minimum clearance of 15 feet from any structure, fence, property line, or combustible vegetation.

Santa Ana falls within the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), which regulates wood burning under Rule 445. On mandatory no-burn days — declared when air quality forecasts indicate fine particulate pollution will exceed health standards — all wood-burning fires, including recreational fires using firewood, manufactured logs, charcoal, or any solid fuel, must be extinguished and may not be ignited. SCAQMD no-burn days are particularly common between November and March. Gas and propane fire appliances are permanently exempt from no-burn restrictions and may be used year-round. Residents should check the daily burn status at SCAQMD.gov or by calling (800) 274-2476 before lighting any wood fire.

Santa Ana's urban density and relatively small residential lot sizes mean that the 15-foot clearance requirement can be challenging for many properties. Residents with compact backyards may find that a contained gas or propane fire pit is the most practical option, as these appliances can typically be placed closer to structures (per manufacturer specifications) and are not subject to SCAQMD no-burn restrictions. The Santa Ana Fire Department has authority to order the immediate extinguishment of any fire that poses a safety hazard, regardless of whether it meets the size requirements, and can issue administrative citations for unsafe burning practices.