Fire pit rules in Placer County, CA — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Open recreational and cooking fires in unincorporated Placer County — including campfires, bonfires, fire pits, and fire bowls — must be on a permissive burn day, set back at least 10 feet from any structure or flammable material, attended by an able-bodied adult, and fueled only with dry vegetation, firewood, fire logs, or clean unpainted/untreated lumber. Propane/natural-gas fire pits with tanks no larger than 20 lb are exempt from the burn-day requirement but must still maintain the 10-foot clearance.
The Placer County Air Pollution Control District treats open outdoor recreational and cooking fires (campfires, bonfires, fire pits, fire bowls, and similar free-standing devices) as 'outdoor burning' for smoke-management purposes. Burning is only allowed on 'permissive-burn days,' regardless of whether an APCD Burn Permit is required. The only fuels permitted are dry vegetation, firewood, fire logs, and clean, unpainted, untreated lumber; recreational or cooking fires may NOT be used for waste-disposal purposes. An area within 10 feet of the outer edge of the fire must be maintained free and clear of flammable material; gas-fueled fire pits with 20-pound (or smaller) propane tanks are acceptable outside provided the device is at least 10 feet from any structure and any flammable materials. Operators must contact their local fire agency before burning to determine whether a fire-agency permit is also required (e.g., Placer County Fire, North Tahoe Fire, South Placer Fire). California Fire Code Section 307 (as adopted in Placer County Code Article 9.30 et seq.) governs open burning and recreational fires statewide and requires a constant means of extinguishment on site.
Burning on a no-burn day, using prohibited fuels, or failing to maintain the 10-foot clearance can be cited by the Placer County APCD or the responding fire agency. Under California Health & Safety Code Section 13009, the responsible party is liable for fire-suppression and investigation costs if the fire escapes. Negligent escape of a fire is also chargeable under California Public Resources Code Section 4421.
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