Humboldt County, CA Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Humboldt County, CA, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Permit for small backyard fire
- Not required by air district or CAL FIRE
- Defensible space
- 100 ft required around structures (PRC 4291)
- Ember-resistant zone
- 0-5 ft (no combustible mulch)
- Chimney/stovepipe clearance
- 10 ft of tree branches
Summary
Small backyard recreational fires (warming, cooking, ceremony) do not need an air-district or CAL FIRE permit, but state law requires 100 feet of defensible space around every structure and prohibits unattended fires that create a hazard.
A person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a building or structure in, upon, or adjoining a mountainous area, forest-covered lands, brush-covered lands, grass-covered lands, or land that is covered with flammable material, shall at all times do all of the following: (1) Maintain defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, but not beyond the property line... (2) Remove that portion of a tree that extends within 10 feet of the outlet of a chimney or stovepipe. (3) Maintain a tree, shrub, or other plant adjacent to or overhanging a building free of dead or dying wood. (4) Maintain the roof of a structure free of leaves, needles, or other vegetative materials.
Full Breakdown
NCUAQMD does not require a burn permit for small recreational or ceremonial campfires, and CAL FIRE's residential burn permit also exempts small contained cooking and warming fires. However, California Public Resources Code 4291 requires owners of any building in a State Responsibility Area (which covers most unincorporated Humboldt County) to maintain 100 feet of defensible space around the structure, including an ember-resistant zone in the first 5 feet, lean fuel reduction from 5-30 feet (Zone 1), and reduced fuel from 30-100 feet (Zone 2). Backyard fires must be sited so they are inside the cleared defensible-space area, never under overhanging branches, and never within 10 feet of a chimney or stovepipe outlet. Leaving any fire unattended or causing a hazard is independently unlawful under Humboldt County Code 271-7 (parks) and under California penal and resource codes when the fire escapes.
Violations & Fines
Failure to maintain PRC 4291 defensible space is prosecutable by CAL FIRE and can trigger inspection notices, citation, and forced abatement at the owner's expense (lien). Allowing a backyard fire to escape exposes the responsible party to full liability for suppression costs plus misdemeanor charges under PRC 4421 and 4422.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a small fire in my backyard?
How far do I need to clear vegetation around my house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Humboldt County
How Humboldt County compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Humboldt County to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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