Orange County, CA Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Orange County, CA, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Open wood fire pit setback
- 25 feet from combustible structures
- Spark-arrested pit, R-3 homes
- 3 feet from combustible construction
- Spark-arrested pit, other R uses
- 15 feet from combustible structures
- Gas fire pit setback
- 3 ft (R-3) or 10 ft (other R)
- Enforcing agency
- Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA)
Summary
In unincorporated Orange County, wood-burning fire pits and fireplaces must sit at least 25 feet from combustible structures unless spark-arrested and kept 3 feet (R-3) or 15 feet (other homes) away, per the county's amended Fire Code Section 307.6.2.
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 feet 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 157).
Full Breakdown
Orange County's amended Fire Code bars wood-burning fire pits, fire rings and portable fireplaces at Group R (residential) properties in unincorporated areas from sitting within 25 feet of combustible structures, unless built as a permanent fireplace with a firebox, chimney and spark arrester. Portable devices fitted with a spark-arresting screen can sit closer: 3 feet from combustible construction at single-family (R-3) homes, 15 feet at other residential occupancies. Gas-fueled pits instead need Building Department approval plus a 3-foot (R-3) or 10-foot (other R) clearance. Barbecues and grills used solely for cooking are exempt. The Orange County Fire Authority enforces this under Codified Ordinances Sec. 3-3-5.
Violations & Fines
Violating the setback, spark-arrester or approval requirements is a fire code infraction under Sec. 3-3-3 (113.4.2), escalating to a misdemeanor if a hazard isn't abated after OCFA orders correction; fees follow the OCFA Prevention Field Services schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a wood-burning fire pit in unincorporated Orange County?
Are gas fire pits treated differently?
Does this rule apply in Anaheim or Santa Ana?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Orange County
How Orange County compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Orange County to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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