Fire pit rules in Lake Elsinore, CA — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Lake Elsinore has no separate fire-pit ordinance; recreational fires follow the 2022 California Fire Code adopted in Municipal Code Chapter 15.56. Backyard fire pits are allowed but must stay 25 feet from structures, be attended, and burn only clean firewood. Tighter limits apply in the city's high fire hazard zones.
Lake Elsinore Municipal Code Chapter 15.56 adopts the California Fire Code (2022 edition, Ordinance 1476) and the Wildland-Urban Interface Code, enforced by the Riverside County Fire Marshal. Under California Fire Code Section 307, a recreational fire has a fuel area no larger than 3 feet across and 2 feet high. It must sit at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material, with a hose or extinguisher on hand and a responsible adult present. Only clean, dry firewood may be burned; trash, leaves, and yard waste are illegal open burning. Because much of the city is in or near High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, the Fire Marshal may restrict open fires during red-flag warnings.
A recreational fire that exceeds the size limit, sits too close to structures, burns prohibited materials, or is unattended violates the California Fire Code (Chapter 15.56). The Fire Marshal may order it extinguished and issue a citation.
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