Anaheim, CA Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Anaheim, CA, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Recreational fires in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone
- Issuing authority
- Anaheim Fire & Rescue, Fire Code Official
- Applicant
- Must be the landowner
- Max fine
- $1,000 plus up to 10 days jail
- Zone boundary
- East of SR-55, south of SR-91
Summary
Anaheim requires a permit from Anaheim Fire & Rescue before lighting any recreational fire, bonfire, or open burn in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. The rule targets fire pits and similar outdoor burning in the city's designated wildfire risk area east of SR-55 and south of SR-91.
307.2 Permit Required. A permit shall be obtained from the Fire Code Official in accordance with Section 105.5 prior to kindling a fire for recognized silvicultural or range or wildlife management practices, prevention or control of disease or pests, bonfire, open burning, or for any recreational fire located in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone as specified in the City of Anaheim Fire & Rescue Specification and Requirements. Application for such approval shall only be presented by and permits issued to the owner of the land upon which the fire is to be kindled.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-28: Code: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 6627, passed 8-11-2026 | Zoning: Local legislation current through Ord. 6627, passed 8-11-2026).
Full Breakdown
2 to require a permit issued by the Fire Code Official before kindling a fire for recognized silvicultural or range or wildlife management practices, prevention or control of disease or pests, a bonfire, open burning, or any recreational fire located in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, as specified in the City of Anaheim Fire & Rescue Specification and Requirements. 5 of the code, and the application must be presented by, and the permit issued to, the owner of the land where the fire will be kindled: a renter or guest cannot apply on someone else's property.
6 designates as all of the area within Anaheim located east of the Costa Mesa Freeway (SR-55) and south of the Riverside Freeway (SR-91), which covers the hillside neighborhoods in the eastern part of the city. 2's permit trigger, though other fire-safety rules for outdoor burning equipment still apply under the adopted 2025 California Fire Code.
Violations & Fines
Violating Section 307.2 or any other provision of the Fire Code adopted under Chapter 16.08, or failing to comply with a direction of the Fire Code Official, is a misdemeanor under Anaheim Municipal Code Section 16.08.020(.130) (amending Fire Code Section 113.4), punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 or up to 10 days in jail. Each day a violation continues after notice has been served counts as a separate offense, so an unpermitted recreational fire left burning in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone can accumulate additional counts daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit in Anaheim?
Who can apply for the recreational fire permit?
What happens if I burn without a permit in the hazard zone?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Anaheim
How Anaheim compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Anaheim to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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Fire Pits & Backyard Fires in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle fire pits & backyard fires.