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

Under California Fire Code Section 307.4.2, 'Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet (7620 mm) of a structure or combustible material. Conditions that could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.' A 'recreational fire' is defined as an outdoor fire 'with a total fuel area of 3 feet (914 mm) or less in diameter and 2 feet (610 mm) or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth, or similar purposes.' Per Cal Fire's Ready for Wildfire program, a free California Campfire Permit is required for any open fire (including wood-burning fire pits) on private land outside an 'organized public or private campground.' Propane and natural-gas fire features inside a permanent fire ring are exempt from the campfire-permit requirement. Per CFC Section 307.5, an extinguisher, water source, or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment (4-A rating or equivalent) must be available, and the fire must be constantly attended until fully extinguished. The Butte County Fire Department warns that 'fire pits may be prohibited where you live, so check before installing one' - particularly in High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones designated by CAL FIRE, where local restrictions may suspend even small recreational fires.