Fire pit rules in Riverside County, CA — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Riverside County adopts the California Fire Code (Ord. 787). Recreational fires in a fire pit must be no larger than 3 feet in diameter and kept at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material; portable outdoor fireplaces must be 15 feet away (one- and two-family dwellings are excepted). Fires must be constantly attended with extinguishing equipment on hand.
Unincorporated Riverside County enforces the 2022 California Fire Code as adopted and amended by Ordinance No. 787.10 (effective December 2022). Under California Fire Code Section 307.4.2, a recreational fire (a fire for cooking, warmth, or similar use, not over 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height) shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material; conditions that could cause the fire to spread within 25 feet must be eliminated before ignition. Section 307.4.3 requires portable outdoor fireplaces (manufactured fire pits/chimineas) to be operated at least 15 feet from a structure or combustible material, with an exception for those used at one- and two-family dwellings. Per Section 307.5, open burning, bonfires, recreational fires, and portable outdoor fireplaces must be constantly attended until fully extinguished, and at least one 4-A-rated portable fire extinguisher (or alternatives such as dirt, sand, a water barrel, garden hose, or water truck) must be available for immediate use. Riverside County's amendments also prohibit releasing sky lanterns (CFC 308.1.6.3 as amended by Ord. 787). Note that fire pits do not authorize burning of trash or yard waste — that is governed by air-district open-burning rules. The Fire Chief is authorized to close hazardous fire areas during high-danger conditions (Ord. 787, Section 104.13).
Violations of the adopted Fire Code are enforced under Ordinance 787, Section 112.4, with punishments and penalties in accordance with Riverside County Ordinance No. 725 and California Health & Safety Code Sections 17995 through 17995.5. During declared hazardous-fire-area closures or red-flag conditions, the Fire Chief may prohibit open-flame use entirely. Always confirm current restrictions with Riverside County Fire before lighting any recreational fire.
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