Winter Fire Pit Rules by City (2026)

Most Restrictive

1. 1
   Daly City, CAClean dry wood, charcoal, propane, natural gas

   Backyard fires in chimineas, fire bowls, and portable fireplaces are allowed in Daly City under the adopted California Fire Code, but only burning clean fuels -- never rubbish or yard waste -- and never during a Bay Area Spare the Air Alert, when all wood burning is illegal indoors and outdoors.

2. 2
   East Honolulu, HI

   East Honolulu follows the City and County of Honolulu Fire Code: recreational, decorative, or ceremonial open fires (including backyard fire pits and bonfires) require the property owner's written permission plus a letter submitted to the fire department at least 14 days before the event.

3. 3
   Lowell, MALowell Fire Prevention + City Gas/Plumbing Inspector

   Wood-burning fire pits, chimineas, and outdoor wood-burning fireplaces are prohibited in Lowell because open burning is banned at all times under 310 CMR 7.07(3)(e). The Lowell Fire Department does authorize propane- and natural-gas-fired fire pits if they meet 527 CMR 1.0 placement and safety requirements.

4. 4
   San Bernardino County, CA

   San Bernardino County bans solid fuel burning outdoor fireplaces, chimineas, barbeques and fire pits at short-term rentals in the Mountain Region under County Code § 84.28.070(j)(1). STR owners there also must keep the property free of hazardous conditions and keep spas and hot tubs covered and locked when not in use.

5. 5
   Modesto, CA

   Modesto bans backyard recreational fires outright (wood fire pits, chimineas, bonfires). Portable outdoor fireplaces (gas/propane appliances) are not categorically banned but remain subject to other city codes, and any fire that is allowed must be constantly attended with an extinguisher on hand.

6. 6
   Bridgeport, CTOnly for material with no disposal alternative

   Bridgeport prohibits any open fire outside a building, anywhere in the city, unless it falls under a narrow burning permit or an official-duty exception: recreational fire pits and bonfires generally don't qualify.

7. 7
   Denton, TX300 ft from structures

   Recreational fires, including backyard fire pits and campfire-style gatherings, are banned everywhere inside Denton's city limits under the locally amended fire code, with only a narrow bonfire exception.

8. 8
   Lakewood, CA

   Lakewood outlaws portable fire pits, barbecues, grills and hibachis anywhere in a city park or recreation area. Section 4220(H) makes possessing one there a misdemeanor, drops to an infraction at an officer's discretion, and turns back into a misdemeanor if the same person repeats it within 24 hours.

9. 9
   Marin County, CA≤ 3 ft diameter, ≤ 2 ft height; 25 ft from structures

   Residential fire pits and chimineas are generally allowed in unincorporated Marin under the California Fire Code as adopted in Chapter 16.16 MCC, but spark arrestors are required, recreational fires must follow CFC § 307 size and clearance rules, and all outdoor open flames are banned countywide during Red Flag Warnings.

10. 10
    Chicago, IL

    Chicago's code makes it unlawful to burn wood, paper, leaves, or any combustible material in open fires or metal containers: a ban that reaches ordinary backyard fire pits unless conducted under the state's limited open-burning exceptions.