Santa Cruz County, CA Fire Regulations: Fire Pit Rules (2026)

Santa Cruz County adopts the California Fire Code (CFC) by reference through Chapter 7.92 of the County Code, so the CFC's recreational-fire rules apply in unincorporated areas. Under CFC Section 307.4.2, a recreational fire (a small outdoor fire for cooking, warmth, or similar use) must not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material, and conditions that could let the fire spread within 25 feet of a structure must be eliminated before ignition. Portable outdoor fireplaces (CFC 307.4.3) must follow manufacturer instructions and stay 15 feet from structures and combustibles, though an exception applies to portable units used at one- and two-family dwellings. All open burning, bonfires, recreational fires, and portable outdoor fireplaces must be constantly attended until fully extinguished, with a fire extinguisher, garden hose, or other approved means available. Because most of the unincorporated county sits in High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones and in the Wildland-Urban Interface, the local fire authority (CAL FIRE / county fire districts) can prohibit open flames during red-flag conditions or burn bans. Gas- and propane-fueled fire features are generally treated more permissively than wood fires. Check current burn-day status with the Monterey Bay Air Resources District before any open-flame use.