Outdoor burning rules in Murrieta, 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.
Open burning of vegetation, trash, or construction debris is prohibited in Murrieta under both local fire code amendments and South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 444. Small recreational fires in approved fire pits are allowed under specific conditions and may be suspended during Red Flag warnings.
Outdoor burning is broadly prohibited inside Murrieta city limits. Under the California Fire Code as adopted by Murrieta and under SCAQMD Rule 444, open burning of leaves, yard waste, construction debris, and household trash is prohibited year-round. Agricultural burning in unincorporated areas is regulated separately by SCAQMD and CAL FIRE through permit-by-permit procedures and is not available inside the city. Recreational fires in approved UL-listed outdoor fireplaces, chimineas, or in-ground fire pits using clean, dry seasoned firewood or natural gas are allowed on private residential property provided the fire is at least 25 feet from any structure, attended by an adult, and equipped with a means of extinguishment (hose, fire extinguisher, or sand bucket). CAL FIRE and Murrieta Fire may suspend all open flame activity during Red Flag warnings or PSPS (Public Safety Power Shutoff) events. Natural gas fire features integrated into a permitted patio design are generally permitted at closer setbacks, subject to clearance to combustibles in the manufacturer's listing. Violations can lead to fire-suppression cost recovery and civil liability for any escape fire.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Murrieta code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Riverside County.
See how other cities in Riverside County handle outdoor burning.
See how Murrieta's outdoor burning rules stack up against other locations.
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