Hemet, CA Fire Regulations: Fire Pit Rules (2026)

The City of Hemet has not published a dedicated municipal fire-pit ordinance, so backyard fire pits fall under the California Fire Code that the City adopts and under South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) air rules. Under California Fire Code Chapter 3, a "recreational fire" (an outdoor fire for cooking, warmth, or recreation not in an incinerator or outdoor fireplace) must not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material (Section 307.4.2), and conditions that could spread fire within that distance must be cleared before lighting. Portable outdoor fireplaces and chimineas must not be operated within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material, except at one- and two-family dwellings (Section 307.4.3). Any recreational fire must be constantly attended until fully extinguished, with a fire extinguisher or other approved equipment on hand (Section 307.5). The fire code official may prohibit open and recreational burning when atmospheric conditions make it hazardous (Section 307.1.1) - a common restriction on Red Flag / high-wind days in Hemet's wildfire-prone setting. Because Hemet sits in the South Coast Air Basin, AQMD wood-smoke rules also apply; check for no-burn advisories. Always verify distances and any seasonal restrictions with the Hemet Fire Department before use.