San Rafael, CA Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in San Rafael, CA, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- City property
- Recreational fires prohibited outright
- WUI zone
- Recreational fires prohibited
- Distance rule
- 25 feet from structures
- Required on-site
- 4-A extinguisher or garden hose
- Governing section
- Fire Code § 307.4.2
Summary
San Rafael's Fire Code bans recreational fires on city property and in Wildland-Urban Interface areas; elsewhere, backyard fires must stay 25 feet from structures with an attendant and extinguisher on hand.
307.4.2.3 Other properties. ... recreational fires shall be conducted in compliance with all of the following: 307.4.2.3.2. Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible materials; ... 307.4.2.3.5. A charged portable fire extinguisher with a minimum capacity of 4-A, or a charged garden hose, shall be available for use at the location of the recreational fire.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 37).
Full Breakdown
SRMC § 4.08.120 amends Fire Code Section 307.4.2. Recreational fires are prohibited outright on City-owned property and within the Wildland-Urban Interface zone designated under SRMC § 4.12.010, unless the Fire Chief issues an operational permit. On all other private property, a recreational fire must be conducted under Fire Prevention Standards, kept at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material, constantly supervised by the owner or tenant, and accompanied by a charged 4-A fire extinguisher or garden hose. The fire must be fully extinguished before it is left unattended. Fire Department officers may extinguish a noncompliant fire on the spot. This applies inside San Rafael city limits, not unincorporated Marin County.
Violations & Fines
Fire Department officers may extinguish a noncompliant recreational fire on sight; violations of the Fire Code are misdemeanors/infractions under SRMC § 4.08.130, with cost recovery for any department response.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a fire pit in my San Rafael backyard?
Are backyard fires banned in San Rafael's WUI zone?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Rafael
How San Rafael compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare San Rafael to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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