Garden Grove Fire Pit Rules Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Garden Grove allows recreational fires in approved fire pits and portable outdoor fireplaces in residential backyards, provided that operators comply with both SCAQMD regulations and local fire code requirements. An approved fire pit includes commercially manufactured metal, stone, or concrete fire pits, chimineas, and portable outdoor fireplaces. DIY fire pits constructed from non-combustible materials such as concrete blocks or stone are also acceptable provided they meet all size and clearance requirements.

The fire must be contained within the approved device and may not exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height of fuel or flame. The fire pit must be positioned at least 15 feet from any structure, wooden fence, overhang, tree canopy, or combustible material. A spark screen, mesh cover, or metal lid must be in place during use to prevent embers from escaping. An adult must be present and actively supervising the fire at all times — unattended fires are prohibited. A garden hose connected to a water supply, a fire extinguisher, or other means of quickly extinguishing the fire must be within immediate reach.

Only clean, dry, seasoned firewood and manufactured fire logs (such as Duraflame or similar products) may be burned. Burning of trash, paper, cardboard, treated or painted lumber, yard waste, plastic, rubber, or any other non-approved material is prohibited under both SCAQMD rules and local fire codes. Propane and natural gas fire pits are also permitted and are not subject to SCAQMD wood-burning restrictions or mandatory curtailment (no-burn) days.

SCAQMD issues mandatory curtailment (no-burn) notices during periods of poor air quality, typically during fall and winter months. On mandatory no-burn days, all wood-burning recreational fires are prohibited regardless of the type of device. Gas fire pits are exempt from no-burn day restrictions. Check the SCAQMD no-burn status at AQMD.gov or call 1-866-966-3293 before lighting a wood fire. The Garden Grove Fire Department may impose additional temporary fire restrictions during periods of extreme fire danger or red flag warnings.