Fire pits must comply with California Fire Code and BAAQMD regulations. Gas and propane preferred. Wood-burning restricted on Spare-the-Air days. Rules enforced by the local fire protection district.
Contra Costa County follows California Fire Code §307 for recreational fires. Approved fire pits must be 15+ feet from structures and combustible materials. Maximum 3-foot diameter for wood-burning pits. Fire must be attended with extinguishing means nearby. No burning of trash, treated wood, or yard waste. Gas/propane fire pits generally exempt from size restrictions. Red Flag Warning days may trigger additional restrictions. Check VHFHSZ status for your property.
Illegal burning: $100 to $1,000. Causing fire: criminal charges possible. CA PRC §4423: up to $1,000 + 6 months.
See how Contra Costa County's fire pit rules rules stack up against other locations.
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