Fire pit rules in San Joaquin County, CA — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Recreational fire pits in unincorporated San Joaquin County are subject to SJVAPCD daily burn day status and county fire regulations. Wood-burning fires are prohibited on SJVAPCD no-burn days. Gas fire pits are generally not subject to burn day restrictions.
San Joaquin County adopts the California Fire Code (Ordinance 4615 adopted 2022 California Fire Code). All outdoor recreational fires must comply with the California Fire Code requirements including minimum clearances from structures (10 feet from structures and combustibles). SJVAPCD Rule 4901 restricts wood burning on no-burn days during the winter season (typically November–February). Gas fire pits using propane or natural gas are exempt from wood-burning bans. Recreational fires must not produce smoke creating a nuisance for neighboring properties. CAL FIRE burn permit status for the area should be checked at burnpermit.fire.ca.gov.
Wood fire on a no-burn day: SJVAPCD civil penalty from $1,000. Fire code violations: citations from County Fire Warden.
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See how San Joaquin County's fire pit rules rules stack up against other locations.
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