Alpine County, CA Fire Regulations: Fire Pit Rules (2026)

Alpine County Code Chapter 8.16 makes it unlawful to build, light or maintain any open or outdoor fire — or to burn brush, grass, trash or other combustible material — from April 15th to December 1st of any year without first obtaining a permit from the State Fire Warden (CAL FIRE) or an authorized agent (section 8.16.010). Two exceptions matter for fire pits: section 8.16.020 exempts heating or lighting appliances and open fires used within the dooryard premises of a place of habitation and within the boundaries of an established campsite, and section 8.16.030 allows burning small heaps without written permission only when set at least 50 feet from woodland or brush and attended by an adult at all times. Whenever the county declares a fire restriction designation (triggered by federal/U.S. Forest Service restrictions or a Board of Supervisors finding of extreme fire hazard), section 8.20.050 prohibits outdoor open fires but expressly exempts 'supervised residential use of approved outdoor cooking devices,' and campfires on private property are allowed only under a valid campfire permit. The code also bans leaving any outdoor fire unattended (section 8.16.070) and requires that a fire be thoroughly extinguished before the person in charge leaves. Recreational wood fires are additionally subject to Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District burn rules, which limit open outdoor fires to permissive burn days. Given the county's elevation and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, propane or gas fire features are the safer choice during dry months.