Santa Cruz, CA Fire Regulations: Backyard Fires (2026)

Per the Santa Cruz Fire Department and SCMC 19.05.120 (which adds California Fire Code Section 307), a recreational or warming fire is 'an outdoor fire, burning materials other than rubbish where the fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, barbeque grill or barbeque pit and has a total fuel area of 3 feet (914 mm) or less in diameter and 2 feet (610 mm) or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes.' Under CFC Section 307.4.2 recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material, and conditions that could cause spread within 25 feet must be eliminated before ignition. Portable outdoor fireplaces must be used per the manufacturer's instructions and kept at least 15 feet from a structure or combustible material (Section 307.4.3), except when used at one- and two-family dwellings. Under Section 307.5 all such fires must be constantly attended until extinguished, with at least one portable fire extinguisher (minimum 4-A rating) or equivalent on-site equipment such as dirt, sand, a water barrel, garden hose, or water truck immediately available. The Fire Department may order a fire extinguished if deemed unsafe; smoke complaints go to the Monterey Bay Air Resources District.