Fire pit rules in Whittier, CA — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Whittier adopts the Los Angeles County Fire Code (Title 32) by reference under Municipal Code Section 15.15.010, which incorporates California Fire Code recreational-fire rules. Backyard fire pits should be a contained appliance kept at least 25 feet from structures, constantly attended, and never used to burn trash. Whittier contracts fire protection to LA County Fire.
Whittier Municipal Code Section 15.15.010 adopts 'Title 32 of the Los Angeles County Code (the Los Angeles County Fire Code), as adopted and amended by the County of Los Angeles' as the fire code of the city, and the City contracts fire protection to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The LA County Fire Code incorporates California Fire Code Chapter 3, which governs recreational fires. Under CFC Section 307.4.2, 'Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material,' and conditions that could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure must be eliminated before ignition. Recreational fires must be constantly attended until fully extinguished, with a means of extinguishment (a hose, bucket, or fire extinguisher) on hand. Manufactured fire pits, chimineas, and gas fire features are the simplest compliant options; gas and propane units avoid wood-smoke restrictions. Open burning of yard waste, trash, or debris is prohibited (see Outdoor Burning). Wood smoke from residential devices is additionally regulated by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), which can call no-burn days. Hillside homes in Whittier's Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone should exercise extra caution and avoid open flames during red-flag conditions.
A fire pit that is too close to a structure, left unattended, or used to burn trash can be ordered extinguished by the LA County Fire Department fire code official and is enforceable under the adopted LA County Fire Code, generally as a misdemeanor under the code's administrative penalty provisions (fines and/or jail). Burning yard waste or trash additionally violates SCAQMD Rule 444. Whittier code enforcement and the LA County Fire Department respond to unsafe-fire complaints.
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