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

A backyard 'burn pile' of leaves, trimmings, or trash is treated as open burning, not a recreational fire. Under VCAPCD Rule 56, open burning requires a permit and is essentially limited to agricultural plant material grown on the property; trash burning is prohibited and household yard-waste burning has no permitted residential pathway. By contrast, a small recreational fire for warmth, cooking, or ambiance is allowed under the 2022 California Fire Code adopted by the VCFPD (Ordinance 32). CFC §307.4.2 caps the fuel pile at 3 ft in diameter by 2 ft high and requires at least 25 ft of clearance from structures and combustibles; CFC §307.5 requires constant attendance until the fire is extinguished, with a 4-A-rated extinguisher or equivalent (hose/water) immediately available. Gas-fueled fire features and patio heaters using listed appliances are generally allowed with reduced clearance. Because much of unincorporated Ventura County lies in High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones — the county saw the 2017 Thomas Fire and 2018 Woolsey Fire — the fire code official routinely prohibits open flame during Santa Ana wind events and Red Flag Warnings, and the air district can call no-burn days. Always confirm conditions before lighting any outdoor fire.