San Diego, CA Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in San Diego, CA, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Authority
- SDMC Ch. 5 Art. 11 §511.0307; 2022 CFC §307
- Max Pile Size
- 3 ft diameter x 2 ft tall
- Min Distance (Open Pile)
- 25 ft from structures/combustibles
- Min Distance (Container/Chiminea)
- 15 ft from structures
- Allowed Fuel
- Clean, dry firewood only
- Prohibited Fuel
- Rubbish, leaves, construction debris
- Attendance
- Constant adult attendance required until out
- Suppression Required
- 4-A extinguisher or water source on hand (CFC 906)
- Red Flag Warning
- All open burning prohibited
Summary
San Diego allows backyard recreational fires under San Diego Fire Code Section 511.0307 (adopting 2022 California Fire Code Section 307) when the fire is no more than 3 feet wide and 2 feet tall and at least 25 feet from any structure, or 15 feet for fires in an approved container or portable outdoor fireplace. Fires are banned during Red Flag warnings.
A recreational fire is an outdoor fire that is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, barbecue grill or barbecue pit and has a total fuel area of three feet or less in diameter and two feet or less in height, for pleasure, cooking, warmth or similar purposes. Recreational fires under those definitions are permitted unless it is offensive or objectionable because of smoke or odor or when conditions make such a fire hazardous. A recreational fire of the described size (maximum of 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height) must be a minimum of 25 feet from a structure. A fire in an approved container can be no less than 15 feet from a structure. Conditions that might cause the fire to spread must be eliminated. The fire must be constantly attended while burning. A fire extinguisher or other extinguishing equipment (dirt, sand, garden hose, water barrel for instance) shall be available to be used immediately. Portable outdoor fireplaces (chimineas as an example) are to be used in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and shall not be operated within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material.
Full Breakdown
The City of San Diego Fire Code (SDMC Chapter 5, Article 11) adopts the 2022 California Fire Code, including Section 307 (codified locally as §511.0307), governing open burning, recreational fires, and portable outdoor fireplaces. A recreational fire must not exceed 3 feet in diameter or 2 feet in height and must be at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material. Fires in approved containers, chimineas, or portable outdoor fireplaces must be at least 15 feet from any structure. Fuel is limited to clean, dry firewood; burning rubbish, leaves, or construction debris is prohibited. The fire must be constantly attended until extinguished, with a portable fire extinguisher (minimum 4-A rating per CFC Section 906) or equivalent water source on hand. Open burning and recreational fires are prohibited when the National Weather Service issues a Red Flag warning or fire weather watch. Permanent fire features wider than 3 feet may require an operational permit from San Diego Fire-Rescue.
Violations & Fines
A fire larger than 3 feet wide or 2 feet tall, sited closer than 25 feet (or 15 feet for an approved container) to a structure, burning prohibited fuels, left unattended, or operated during a Red Flag warning violates §511.0307 and CFC 307. SDFD may issue citations and stop the burn; reignition during a fire ban can support enhanced penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a backyard fire pit in the City of San Diego?
What can I burn in a backyard fire in San Diego?
When are recreational fires banned in San Diego?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego
How San Diego compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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Fire Pits & Backyard Fires in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Diego County handle fire pits & backyard fires.