Whittier, CA Fire Regulations: Backyard Fires (2026)

Whittier adopts the Los Angeles County Fire Code (Title 32) by reference at Municipal Code Section 15.15.010, and the City contracts fire protection to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The adopted code incorporates California Fire Code Chapter 3, which governs backyard recreational fires. Under CFC Section 307.4.2, recreational fires must not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material, and any condition that could let a fire spread within 25 feet must be cleared before lighting. Portable outdoor fireplaces (chimineas and similar manufactured units) used at one- and two-family dwellings are treated more leniently than open fires but still must be operated safely away from combustibles. Every recreational fire must be constantly attended by a responsible adult with a hose, bucket, or extinguisher available until the fire is fully out. Burning yard waste, trash, or construction debris is prohibited by both the fire code and South Coast AQMD Rule 444, and wood smoke is subject to SCAQMD residential wood-burning restrictions on poor-air-quality days. Gas and propane fire features are the simplest compliant options. Because the Whittier Hills are a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, hillside residents should avoid open flames entirely during red-flag warnings or high winds.