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

Recreational and backyard fire pits in unincorporated Santa Clara County are governed by the California Fire Code, which the County adopts and amends by ordinance. California Fire Code Section 307.4 requires that recreational fires be located not less than 25 feet from a structure or combustible material, and that conditions allowing a fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure be eliminated before ignition. Portable outdoor fireplaces shall not be operated within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material, used per the manufacturer's instructions (with a limited exception for one- and two-family dwellings). Section 307.5 requires that recreational fires and portable outdoor fireplaces be constantly attended until extinguished, with a fire extinguisher (minimum 4-A rating) or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment available. Air quality adds a second layer: the Bay Area Air Quality Management District's wood-burning rule (Regulation 6, Rule 3) makes it illegal to burn wood, manufactured logs, or any solid fuel - including in outdoor fire pits - when a Spare the Air alert is in effect, banned year-round though most common in the November-through-February winter season. Propane and natural-gas fire features are not affected by the wood-smoke ban. During CAL FIRE / county burn bans, open wood fires (campfires and charcoal) are prohibited while propane or gas fire pits remain allowed.