Kern County, CA Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Kern 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 OK
- Yes. CFC § 307.4.2, no permit needed
- Yard-Debris Burning
- Burn permit + permissive day required
- Trash/Plastic Burning
- Prohibited statewide (HSC § 41700)
- WUI Communities
- Lake Isabella, Kern River Valley, Frazier Park, Tehachapi
- Defensible Space (SRA)
- 100 ft. PRC § 4291 / Kern Code Ch. 8.46
Summary
Small recreational backyard fires for cooking or warmth are allowed under California Fire Code § 307 as adopted by Kern County, but any burning of vegetation, debris, or trash requires a burn permit and an air-district 'permissive' day.
All individuals planning to burn must obtain a burn permit, burn only on permissive days, and adhere to all rules and recommendations outlined in the burn permit terms and conditions. (Kern County Fire Department, implementing Kern County Code Ch. 17.32.)
Full Breakdown
In unincorporated Kern County, a backyard fire falls into two distinct regulatory tracks. 2 (adopted by Kern County Code Ch. 32), subject to a 3-foot fuel area, 2-foot height, 25-foot structure setback, constant adult attendance, and on-site extinguishment means. (2) Burning of yard debris, weeds, or vegetation is 'open burning' that requires a Kern County Fire Department / APCD burn permit, may only occur during the announced burn season on permissive days, and is suspended during Red Flag warnings. Burning of trash, garbage, plastics, treated wood, or construction debris is prohibited statewide under California Health & Safety Code § 41700 (public nuisance smoke) and under EKAPCD/SJVAPCD rules; no permit can authorize it. 1. 46 (Weeds and Other Hazardous Growths).
Violations & Fines
Recreational-fire infractions can result in extinguishment orders and Fire Code citations under Kern County Code § 17.32. Unpermitted open burning of vegetation triggers KCFD enforcement and APCD air-quality fines. Burning prohibited materials (trash, plastics, treated wood) violates state law and county Fire Code, with escalating fines. If any backyard fire escapes, the responsible party is liable for suppression costs and damages under CA Health & Safety Code §§ 13007 and 13009 and may face misdemeanor charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a backyard fire in my Bakersfield-area unincorporated lot?
Can I burn leaves and brush in my backyard?
What if I live in Frazier Park or Lake Isabella?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kern County
How Kern County compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Kern 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.