Fire pit rules in Ventura County, CA — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Recreational fires and fire pits in unincorporated Ventura County follow the California Fire Code adopted by the Ventura County Fire Protection District (Ordinance 32). A fire pile may not exceed 3 ft × 2 ft and must sit 25 ft from structures; portable fireplaces need 15 ft. Fires must be attended; open flame may be banned in high fire danger.
The Ventura County Fire Protection District (VCFPD) covers most unincorporated areas and adopted the 2022 California Fire Code by reference under Ordinance 32 (which repealed Ordinance 31). Under CFC §307.4.2, a 'recreational fire' uses a fuel pile no larger than 3 ft in diameter by 2 ft high and must be kept at least 25 ft from any structure or combustible material; conditions that could let fire spread within that 25 ft must be eliminated before ignition. Portable outdoor fireplaces (chimineas, listed wood/gas units) must be operated at least 15 ft from structures and combustibles per CFC §307.4.3 and used per the manufacturer's instructions (one- and two-family dwellings are exempt from the 15-ft rule). Per CFC §307.5, recreational fires and portable fireplaces must be constantly attended until extinguished, with at least one 4-A-rated portable fire extinguisher or equivalent (such as a garden hose or water supply) immediately available. Gas/propane fire pits and patio heaters using listed appliances and approved fuel are generally allowed with reduced clearance. The fire code official retains authority to prohibit any open burning when atmospheric or local conditions make fires hazardous — routine during Santa Ana wind and Red Flag events in this Very High Fire Hazard county. The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District may also call no-burn days.
Violations of the adopted California Fire Code are enforced by the Ventura County Fire Protection District and are generally citable as misdemeanors; fire personnel may order immediate extinguishment of any unlawful or hazardous fire. If a recreational fire escapes and causes a wildfire, the responsible party can be billed for fire-suppression costs under California Health & Safety Code §13009. Burning during a Red Flag Warning or VCAPCD no-burn day is independently citable.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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