Nevada County, CA Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Nevada County, CA, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Debris burning
- Permissive burn days only + CAL FIRE permit
- Recreational fire size
- 3 ft diameter / 2 ft high (CA Fire Code 307)
- Clearance
- Recreational fire 25 ft from structures, attended
- Burn-day check
- NSAQMD line (530) 274-7928
- Fireworks
- All banned in unincorporated Nevada County
- High-danger periods
- CAL FIRE may suspend all burning
Summary
Backyard fires in unincorporated Nevada County fall into two regulated buckets: open burning of yard debris (allowed only on NSAQMD permissive burn days, with a CAL FIRE permit) and small recreational fires (California Fire Code Section 307). Recreational fires must be 3 feet or less across, 25 feet from structures, and constantly attended. All fireworks are banned.
Residential open burning, consisting of burning materials originating from one (1) or more single or multiple family dwellings on a premises including incinerator use, is allowed subject to the provisions of this Code as adopted by the County of Nevada. Notwithstanding the foregoing, there shall be no open burning, and no permits may be issued for burning, on days or at times determined to be unsafe by CALFIRE, or unhealthy by the Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District (NSAQMD).
Full Breakdown
There is no single "backyard fire" that escapes regulation in unincorporated Nevada County, because the area is a high-risk CAL FIRE State Responsibility Area. A backyard debris fire (burning leaves, brush, and trimmings) is treated as open burning: it is allowed only on a permissive burn day declared by the Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District, requires a free CAL FIRE residential burn permit (renewed each year on or after May 1), and may use only dry vegetation grown on the property - never trash, treated wood, or burn barrels.
A backyard recreational fire (a fire pit, chiminea, or campfire for warmth or cooking) is governed by California Fire Code Section 307: the pile must be 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height, kept at least 25 feet from structures and combustibles, constantly attended, and backed up by a water source or extinguisher. During elevated fire danger CAL FIRE suspends open burning, and a public official can order any fire put out. Note that all consumer fireworks are banned countywide.
Even portable propane or charcoal grills and smokers should be used clear of dry vegetation and away from structures. Always check the NSAQMD burn-day line at (530) 274-7928 before any open fire.
Violations & Fines
Open burning on a no-burn day, without a CAL FIRE permit, or during a suspension is enforceable by NSAQMD and CAL FIRE; recreational fires that violate Fire Code 307 can be ordered extinguished and cited. Any escaped fire exposes the responsible party to liability for fire-suppression and damage costs. Setting off fireworks is a misdemeanor under California Health and Safety Code section 12700. Confirm penalty amounts with CAL FIRE, NSAQMD, and the County Fire Marshal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a fire in my backyard in Nevada County?
Is there ever a time I can't have any backyard fire?
Can I set off fireworks at a backyard party?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Nevada County
How Nevada County compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Nevada County to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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