A small backyard recreational fire (cooking or warmth) is allowed under California Fire Code section 307.4 if kept at least 25 feet from structures, constantly attended, and extinguished after use. Burning yard waste or trash is different - that is 'open burning' regulated by the Feather River AQMD and is allowed only on declared valley burn days, with a CAL FIRE permit additionally required in foothill fire-season areas.
Two different rule sets govern backyard fires in unincorporated Yuba County. (1) Recreational fires - a fire used to cook food or for warmth or recreation, not to dispose of waste - fall under the adopted California Fire Code. Section 307.4 requires a recreational fire to be at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material, and section 307.5 requires the fire be constantly attended until fully out, with extinguishing equipment available. A manufactured portable outdoor fireplace must be kept 15 feet from structures, except when used at one- and two-family dwellings (section 307.4.3). (2) Open burning - burning leaves, branches, or other yard waste - is regulated by the Feather River Air Quality Management District under Regulation II. On the valley floor, residential open burning is allowed only on a declared burn day (typically Monday, Wednesday, or Saturday), only for dry plant material grown on the property, and never in a burn barrel or for paper, cardboard, or trash. In foothill CAL FIRE/USFS areas (Burn Zone 4), a CAL FIRE burn permit is also required and fire-season bans frequently suspend all burning. Because eastern Yuba County is high-hazard SRA that burned in the 2020 Bear Fire/North Complex, residents should always confirm burn-day status (530-741-6299) and any active red-flag or fire-season suspension before lighting any outdoor fire.
Recreational fires that violate California Fire Code setbacks or attendance rules can be ordered extinguished and cited as a misdemeanor under California Fire Code section 109.3. Illegal open burning is enforced by the Feather River AQMD under Health & Safety Code section 42400 (penalties up to $1,000+ per day). If a backyard fire escapes and causes a wildfire, the responsible party can be billed for suppression costs and face criminal liability. Report unlawful burning to FRAQMD (530-634-7659) or, for an active escaped fire, call 911.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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