Contra Costa County, CA Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Contra Costa County, CA, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Burn yard waste
- Prohibited (BAAQMD Reg. 5)
- Public nuisance
- Fire Code Section 202 / Section 324
- Suppression billing
- H&S Code Section 13009
- Daily-offense rule
- Each 10 days = new violation
- Charcoal grill setback
- 10 ft (Section 4104.2)
Summary
Backyard burning in unincorporated Contra Costa County is tightly limited: BAAQMD Regulation 5 prohibits burning yard waste, and recreational wood fires aren't among its allowed categories. The Fire Code lets officials declare hazardous fires a public nuisance, and suppression costs can be billed to the property owner.
(h) Section 202 or Chapter 2 (Definitions) is amended to include the following additional defined terms:
"Combustible Material. Rubbish, litter or material of any kind other than hazardous vegetation that is combustible and endangers the public safety by creating a fire hazard as determined by the fire code official."
"Public Nuisance. A declaration by the fire code official that the presence of combustible materials on any parcel creates a fire hazard or threat to public safety (Health and Safety Code 14875 and 14876) or any violation of this code."
(g) Section 112.4 is amended to read:
"112.4 Violation penalties. Every person who violates any provision of this fire code is guilty of an infraction or misdemeanor in accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 13871 and Government Code Section 53069.4. The imposition of one penalty for any violation shall not excuse the violation or permit to continue; and all such persons shall be required to correct or remedy such violations or defects within a reasonable time. ... Each day that prohibited conditions are maintained shall constitute a separate offense."
Full Breakdown
The rules stack against backyard wood fires here. BAAQMD Regulation 5 bans burning yard waste outright, and its list of allowable fire categories doesn't include residential recreational fires, so a wood-burning fire pit has no clear legal footing. The Fire Code adds enforcement teeth: hazardous conditions can be declared a public nuisance (Sections 202 and 324), the Fire Code Official can order any fire extinguished, and repeat violations accrue as new offenses every 10 days. If a fire spreads, Health & Safety Code §13009 lets the district bill the owner for suppression costs. The safer path is a UL-listed propane or natural-gas appliance kept clear of combustible construction, charcoal itself carries a 10-foot setback under Section 4104.2.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a small recreational wood fire in my backyard allowed?
What if neighbors complain about smoke from my fire pit?
Can the fire department bill me if my backyard fire spreads?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Contra Costa County
How Contra Costa County compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Contra Costa County to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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