Apple Valley, CA Fire Regulations: Fire Pit Rules (2026)

The Town of Apple Valley does not publish a stand-alone fire-pit ordinance. Outdoor fires are regulated by the Apple Valley Fire Protection District (AVFPD), which adopts and amends the California Fire Code through Ordinance 67 (Fire Code Amendments). Recreational fires in fire pits, chimineas, and similar appliances are governed by the adopted California Fire Code rather than by a unique Town rule, and we did not find a published AVFPD section setting a specific separation distance for backyard recreational fire pits; under the statewide California Fire Code, recreational fires are generally limited in fuel pile size and kept a set distance from structures and combustibles, with attended-at-all-times and ready-extinguisher expectations. The District's defensible-space guidance specifically advises keeping combustible materials and vegetation cleared around heat sources and propane tanks. Importantly, a fire pit used for recreation is different from open burning of yard waste: burning weeds, tumbleweeds, grasses, leaves, pine needles, or small tree trimmings requires a District burn permit ($15, valid one year) and may only occur on an authorized burn day from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Burning can be suspended for high smog, high fire danger, or high winds. Because Apple Valley is High Desert with strong winds and dry brush, residents should confirm current conditions with AVFPD before lighting any outdoor fire. For exact fire-pit separation distances, contact AVFPD at (760) 247-7618.