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

Lake County incorporates the California Fire Code through its Building Regulations (county Code Chapter 5), so the statewide rules for recreational fires apply in the unincorporated county. Under California Fire Code Section 307.4.2, 'recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material,' and conditions that could let a fire spread within that radius must be cleared before ignition. A recreational fire is defined by the code as an outdoor fire burning materials other than rubbish, with a total fuel area no greater than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high, used for cooking, warmth, or similar purposes. Section 307.5 requires that the fire be 'constantly attended until the fire is extinguished,' with at least one 4-A-rated portable fire extinguisher or other approved equipment (such as a water barrel, garden hose, dirt, or sand) immediately available. Because Lake County sits largely in high and very-high fire hazard zones, the Lake County Air Quality Management District (LCAQMD) enforces an annual burn ban from May 1 to November 1, and all open burning is suspended on no-burn days and during critical fire conditions declared by CAL FIRE, the Governor, the Board of Supervisors, or a Fire Chief. Always confirm current burn-day status before lighting any pit.