Antioch, CA Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Antioch, CA, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- CCCFPD Fire Prevention Bureau (925-941-3300)
- Recreational fire size
- <= 3 ft diameter, <= 2 ft height (CFC 307.4.2)
- Setback (ground fire)
- 25 feet from any structure or combustible
- Defensible space
- 100 ft per PRC 4291 in/near State Responsibility Area
Summary
Backyard recreational ground fires and bonfires in Antioch require an open-burning permit from the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District. Portable, manufactured fire pits at one- and two-family homes do NOT require a permit but must follow California Fire Code Section 307 setbacks and attendance rules. All wood burning is banned on BAAQMD Spare the Air days.
(a)(1)(A) Maintain defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, but not beyond the property line... (B) A greater distance than that required under subparagraph (A) may be required by state law, local ordinance, rule, or regulation.
Full Breakdown
CCCFPD - which is the contracted fire authority for Antioch - issues two types of operational open-burning permits: Recreational/Bonfire Permits and Religious Service Burn Permits. A 'recreational fire' under California Fire Code Section 202 is an outdoor fire burning materials other than rubbish where the fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, portable outdoor fireplace, barbecue grill or barbecue pit and has a total fuel area of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes.
2, recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material; conditions which could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition. The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District separately enforces statewide PRC 4291 defensible-space requirements where Antioch parcels fall within or near a State Responsibility Area, and the city's southern wildland-urban interface (Sand Creek area, hillsides off Hillcrest, Black Diamond Mines edge) is mapped as High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone by Cal Fire.
Violations & Fines
Conducting an unpermitted open burn or a recreational fire that violates CFC Section 307 is a violation of the adopted Fire Code and may be cited as a misdemeanor or infraction (Antioch Municipal Code section 1-5.02). CCCFPD can also assess full cost-recovery for fire response, and California Penal Code section 452 (recklessly causing a fire) applies if the fire escapes containment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a small wood campfire in my backyard?
Do I need defensible space around my Antioch home?
Where are Antioch's fire-hazard zones?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Antioch
How Antioch compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Antioch to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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