Fire pit rules in Napa, CA — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Napa County allows small recreational fires and approved gas fire features under the California Fire Code as adopted in Napa County Code Chapter 15.32, but no-burn day restrictions from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) apply to wood-burning fire pits, and Red Flag Warnings from CAL FIRE can prohibit any open flame in the wildland-urban interface.
Open-flame recreational fires in unincorporated Napa County are regulated under the California Fire Code adopted by reference in Napa County Code Chapter 15.32 (Fire Code) and enforced by CAL FIRE Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit, which contracts to provide fire services as the Napa County Fire Department. CFC Section 307 limits recreational fires to a pile not more than three feet in diameter and two feet high, at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material, and requires an attendant with a water supply or extinguisher. Portable outdoor fireplaces must be at least 15 feet from structures. BAAQMD Regulation 6, Rule 3 prohibits wood burning on Spare the Air days; manufactured logs and propane or natural gas fire features remain allowed. During Red Flag Warnings or PSPS events, the Napa County Fire Marshal may suspend all open-flame use. The 2017 Atlas Fire and 2020 Glass Fire reinforced strict enforcement.
Recreational fires that exceed CFC size or clearance limits, are left unattended, or are conducted on a BAAQMD no-burn day are public nuisances under Napa County Code Chapter 8.36 and California Fire Code Section 109. Citations and abatement orders may be issued, with civil liability for fire suppression costs under California Health and Safety Code 13009 if escape occurs.
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