Santa Maria, CA Fire Regulations: Fire Pit Rules (2026)

Santa Maria Municipal Code Chapter 9-28 adopts California Fire Code Chapter 3 with local amendments. Section 9-28.040 amends CFC 307.1 to prohibit open burning within city limits 'except as provided in CFC Section 307.4.2, "Recreational fires," CFC Section 307.4.3, "Portable outdoor fireplaces"' or under a single-use permit issued by the Fire Chief. CFC Section 307.4.2 limits a recreational fire to a fuel area of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height, and requires it to be at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material; conditions that could cause the fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition. Portable outdoor fireplaces under CFC 307.4.3 must be used per the manufacturer's instructions and not within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material, except at one- and two-family dwellings where the distance is 3 feet. CFC Section 307.5 requires that all recreational fires, bonfires, and portable outdoor fireplaces be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished, with a minimum 4-A rated portable fire extinguisher or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment (dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose, water truck) immediately available. Santa Maria's amended code also gives the Fire Chief authority to order discontinuance whenever the activity creates a hazard, is offensive, or creates a nuisance.