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

Research did not find a stand-alone Imperial County ordinance governing residential fire pits or chimineas, so the controlling rules are the California Fire Code, adopted countywide, and the air-quality rules of the Imperial County Air Pollution Control District (ICAPCD). Under California Fire Code Section 307, a recreational fire (a small wood or charcoal fire used for cooking, warmth or ambiance) must not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material, and conditions that could let it spread must be cleared before ignition. A portable outdoor fireplace at homes other than one- and two-family dwellings must be kept at least 15 feet from a structure and used per the manufacturer's instructions. The fire must be constantly attended until fully extinguished, with a means of extinguishment (a hose, bucket of water or fire extinguisher) on hand. Burning anything other than clean firewood or charcoal, such as yard waste, trash or construction debris, is not a recreational fire; it is open burning, which is regulated separately. ICAPCD requires that ALL burning in Imperial County have prior authorization, so a fire pit used to dispose of green waste needs a burn authorization and a declared Burn Day. A clean wood or charcoal recreational fire for warmth or cooking does not require an ICAPCD burn authorization, but it must still meet Fire Code clearance and attendance rules.