Yucaipa, CA Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)

Chapter 8.48 of the Yucaipa Municipal Code, adopted by Ordinance 475 in 2025, prohibits open fires in the City of Yucaipa, San Bernardino County, and then allows two kinds of backyard fire under § 8.48.040. A portable outdoor fireplace is defined in § 8.48.020 as a portable, outdoor, solid-fuel burning fireplace designed and manufactured for outdoor use, including chimineas, patio fire pits and similar devices.

For approved portable outdoor fireplaces, § 8.48.040(B) sets six conditions: use in compliance with the manufacturer's instructions, a spark arrestor screen, a maximum fuel area of three feet in diameter, ten feet of clearance from structures or combustibles, constant attendance, and immediate extinguishment upon order of Fire Department personnel, a peace officer or code enforcement personnel.

For recreational fires, § 8.48.040(C) allows them only if expressly permitted by the Fire Department. The fire cannot be larger than three feet in diameter and two feet in height, can be fueled only with clean, dry wood or charcoal, needs fire-extinguishing equipment within ten feet, and needs constant attendance by a responsible adult. Section 8.48.020 defines a recreational fire as an outdoor fire burning materials other than rubbish, with a total fuel area of three feet or less in diameter and two feet or less in height, used for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes.

Section 8.48.030(C) shuts both down during a Red Flag Warning, Fire Weather Watch or No-Burn Day. A No-Burn Day is designated by the South Coast Air Quality Management District, and a Red Flag Warning or Fire Weather Watch comes from the National Weather Service. Open fires in a public place, vacant lot, hillside, canyon or undeveloped property are prohibited outright by § 8.48.030(A), and burning rubbish, construction debris or yard clippings is prohibited by § 8.48.030(B).