Indio, CA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Indio, CA, also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance, set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Indio Municipal Code § 93.10
- Allowed without permit
- Approved fireplaces, barbecues, fire pits
- Other open fires
- Need a conditional use permit
- First-offense fine
- Up to $200
- Enforcing agencies
- Fire Marshal, Building and Safety Division
Summary
Indio prohibits open burning of any material outdoors except in approved appliances like fireplaces, barbecues, and fire pits; anything else needs a conditional use permit from the Planning Division.
It is unlawful to burn any material, structure, matter, or thing in an outdoor fire or incinerator or by similar means unless within an approved and controlled area by the City Building and Safety Division, the Fire Marshal, and the Planning Division (for example, fireplaces, barbeques and fire pits). No other types of outdoor open fires are permitted unless approved as part of a project's conditional use permit. Any person violating this section shall be subject to the penalties described in Section 93.99.
(B) Any outdoor fire appliance is required to have a listing for product safety from a certified testing company, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) for the following, but not limited to, appliances: barbeque, fireplace or fire pit. The applicant can submit a field test report as to the safety of the subject appliance to the City to prove the appliance meets safety rating qualifications.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4796010; v13 updated 2026-02-04; through 02-04-2026).
Full Breakdown
Indio Municipal Code § 93.10(A) makes it unlawful to burn any material, structure, matter, or thing in an outdoor fire or incinerator anywhere in the city unless it happens inside an area the Building and Safety Division, Fire Marshal, and Planning Division have approved and controlled: the code names fireplaces, barbecues, and fire pits as examples. Any other type of open-air fire needs approval through a project's conditional use permit. Under § 93.10(B), the appliance itself must carry a product-safety listing, such as UL certification, or the owner must submit a field test report proving it meets safety standards.
Violations & Fines
Violating § 93.10 is punished under § 93.99: up to $200 for a first offense on a site, $300 for a second, and a misdemeanor with up to $1,000 or six months in jail for a third.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a backyard fire pit in Indio?
What about a bonfire or ceremonial fire?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Indio
How Indio compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Indio to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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Outdoor Burning in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Riverside County handle outdoor burning.