Irvine, CA Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Irvine, CA, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Irvine Municipal Code § 5-9-409(B)(d)(iii) (CFC § 307.6.2)
- Default setback
- 25 ft from combustible structures
- Portable device, R-3
- 3 ft with spark arrester
- Portable device, other R
- 15 ft with spark arrester
- Containment requirement
- firebox with attached chimney, spark arrester
- Enforcing agency
- Orange County Fire Authority
Summary
Wood-burning fire pits, rings, and outdoor fireplaces at Irvine homes must sit in a contained firebox with a spark arrester, and wood fires can't burn within 25 feet of a combustible structure unless inside an approved permanent fireplace. A Fire Code amendment sets narrower setbacks for portable, spark-arrested devices.
307.6.2 Devices using wood or fuels other than natural gas or liquefied- petroleum gas. Permanent outdoor fireplaces burning wood or other solid fuel shall be constructed in accordance with the California Building Code with clearance from combustible construction and building openings as required therein. Fires in a fireplace shall be contained within a firebox with an attached chimney. The opening in the face of the firebox shall have an installed and maintained method of arresting sparks. The burning of wood or other solid fuel in a device is not allowed within 25 feet of combustible structures unless within an approved permanent fireplace... Exceptions: 1.Portable fireplaces and fire rings/pits equipped with a device to arrest sparks shall be located at least 3' from combustible construction at R-3 occupancies, 2.Portable fireplaces, and fire pits/rings equipped with a device to arrest sparks, shall be located at least 15 feet from combustible structures at other R occupancies.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 20 | Zoning: Supplement 16).
Full Breakdown
Municipal Code Section 5-9-409(B)(d)(iii), adopted by Ordinance No. 2 to the California Fire Code for devices 'using wood or fuels other than natural gas or liquefied-petroleum gas' at Group R (residential) occupancies. ' The section then sets the core containment distance: burning wood or solid fuel 'is not allowed within 25 feet of combustible structures unless within an approved permanent fireplace,' and conditions that could spread fire within that 25-foot radius must be eliminated before lighting. Two exceptions narrow that distance for portable equipped devices: a portable fireplace or fire ring/pit fitted with a spark arrester may sit as close as 3 feet from combustible construction at single-family (R-3) properties, or 15 feet at other residential occupancies such as apartments and condos. 1.
Violations & Fines
Backyard fire violations are enforced by OCFA under Section 5-9-305, which authorizes penalties per OCFA's Prevention Field Services fee schedule, with each day of a continuing violation treated as a separate offense. Failing to correct a hazardous or non-compliant fire when ordered is a misdemeanor under Section 113.4.2, and simply allowing the hazard to exist is charged as an infraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close can a wood-burning fire pit be to my Irvine house?
Does my backyard fire pit need a chimney or spark arrester?
Can I have a backyard fire pit near open space in Irvine?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Irvine
How Irvine compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Irvine to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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