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

Modoc County adopts the 2022 California Fire Code (CFC) through Title 15, Chapter 15.01 of the County Code (Ordinance No. 221-J, July 2024), so the state's recreational-fire rules apply countywide in the unincorporated area. Under California Fire Code Section 307, a 'recreational fire' is an outdoor open fire burning clean wood, charcoal, or LP/natural gas with a total fuel area less than 3 feet in width and less than 2 feet in height. Recreational fires must be located at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material, while larger 'bonfires' must be at least 50 feet away and require a permit from the fire code official. Fires may not be started when high winds or other conditions make them hazardous, and they must be constantly attended until fully extinguished, with a water supply (such as a garden hose) or fire extinguisher and a shovel ready. In addition, Modoc, Lassen, and Plumas counties now require a free CAL FIRE burn permit for hazard-reduction burning effective May 1, 2026, and burning material such as yard debris in a pit is subject to Modoc County Air Pollution Control District permissive burn-day rules. Because Modoc is a high fire-risk county, residents should always confirm current fire restrictions before lighting any outdoor fire.