Santa Cruz County, CA Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Santa Cruz County, CA, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Recreational fire setback
- 25 ft from structures/combustibles (CFC 307.4.2)
- Portable outdoor fireplace
- 15 ft (exception for 1-2 family dwellings)
- Attendance
- Must be constantly attended until out
- Local authority
- County Code Ch. 7.92 adopts CA Fire Code
- Burn-day check
- MBARD, 1-800-225-2876
Summary
Recreational backyard fires are governed by the California Fire Code, adopted via County Code Chapter 7.92. Recreational fires must stay at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material, be constantly attended, and have a means of extinguishment ready. High fire-hazard conditions can trigger added restrictions.
Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material. Open burning, bonfires, recreational fires and use of portable outdoor fireplaces shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher complying with Section 906 with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose or water truck, shall be available for immediate utilization.
Full Breakdown
92 of the County Code, so the CFC's recreational-fire rules apply in unincorporated areas. 2, a recreational fire (a small outdoor fire for cooking, warmth, or similar use) must not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material, and conditions that could let the fire spread within 25 feet of a structure must be eliminated before ignition. 3) must follow manufacturer instructions and stay 15 feet from structures and combustibles, though an exception applies to portable units used at one- and two-family dwellings.
All open burning, bonfires, recreational fires, and portable outdoor fireplaces must be constantly attended until fully extinguished, with a fire extinguisher, garden hose, or other approved means available. Because most of the unincorporated county sits in High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones and in the Wildland-Urban Interface, the local fire authority (CAL FIRE / county fire districts) can prohibit open flames during red-flag conditions or burn bans. Gas- and propane-fueled fire features are generally treated more permissively than wood fires. Check current burn-day status with the Monterey Bay Air Resources District before any open-flame use.
Violations & Fines
Fires within 25 feet of structures, unattended fires, or fires lit during a burn ban or red-flag warning violate the adopted Fire Code. Open burning of yard debris also requires permits and a permissive burn day. The fire authority may order any hazardous fire extinguished.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a backyard fire pit in unincorporated Santa Cruz County?
Do gas fire pits follow the same rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Cruz County
How Santa Cruz County compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Cruz County to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.