Fullerton, CA Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Fullerton, CA, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Allowed devices
- BBQ, gas outdoor fireplace, fire pit, fire ring, gas grill
- Clearance
- 30 feet from grass, brush, grain, or forest
- Supervision
- Adult 18+ must remain present
- Extinguisher
- Water source or approved means must be immediate
- Blackout conditions
- Winds > 8 MPH, red flag, or SCAQMD no-burn alert
Summary
Backyard recreational fires are allowed in Fullerton at one- and two-family homes only if contained in an approved device (BBQ, fire pit, fire ring, gas grill, or outdoor fireplace), kept 30 feet from combustible vegetation, supervised by an adult with water on hand, and not used during winds over 8 MPH, red flag warnings, or SCAQMD no-burn alerts.
Outdoor, open burning and recreational fires shall not be built, ignited or maintained when predicted sustained winds exceed 8 MPH at the ground level, or a red flag condition has been declared.
Full Breakdown
' All of the following must also be true: a person 18 or older is present and tending the fire, no public announcement of an open burning prohibition is in effect, a viable water source or approved extinguisher is immediately available, predicted sustained winds are 8 MPH or less, and no red flag warning has been declared. Fires may not be used to dispose of trash or combustible waste. Properties within the city's fuel modification area cannot use wood or other solid fuel, only gas appliances.
19 on May 6, 2025 (chiefly West and East Coyote Hills) are subject to additional restrictions and California Building Code Chapter 7A construction standards. Statewide, SCAQMD wood-burning no-burn alerts override the local rule and apply across the entire South Coast Air Basin.
Violations & Fines
Violations of § 13.20.150 are administrative code violations citable by Fullerton Fire Department personnel under FMC Title 13, with fines escalating with repeat offenses. If a backyard fire escapes containment the responsible party is liable for fire suppression costs under California Health & Safety Code § 13009 and may face criminal charges under California Penal Code § 452 (reckless arson).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a backyard chiminea or fire pit at my Fullerton home?
Can I use a wood-burning chiminea on a no-burn alert day?
What about an apartment balcony fire pit?
Sources & Official References
- [1]FMC § 13.20.150 — Open Burning, Recreational Fires, and Portable Outdoor Fireplaces
- [2]FMC Chapter 13.20 — 2019 Fullerton Fire Code
- [3]FMC Chapter 13.19 — Fire Prevention Standards (Fire Hazard Severity Zones)
- [4]South Coast AQMD — Check Before You Burn
- [5]California Health & Safety Code § 13009 (fire suppression cost recovery)
Other rules in Fullerton
How Fullerton compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Fullerton to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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