Recreational Fires
Recreational fires are defined as cooking fires and charcoal barbecues, campfires, and bonfires in designated areas or on private property for cooking, pleasure, or ceremonial purposes. Fires lit in chimineas, fire pits, fire bowls, and similar free-standing devices (except burn barrels) fall under this definition. They are allowed in both urbanized and unincorporated areas.
Regulations
When you burn, follow these regulations:
- Keep it small. Fires must not exceed three feet in diameter or two feet in height.
- Fuel it right. Only charcoal, dried firewood, or manufactured firelogs may be used. It is illegal to burn anything else.
- Stay clear of structures. Check with your local fire department regarding setback requirements.
- Stand guard and extinguish. A person capable of extinguishing the fire must attend to it at all times and be extinguished before leaving it.
- Ask first. Permission from a landowner, or owner’s designated representative, must be obtained before starting a recreational fire.
- Pay attention to the ban. Recreational fires are always prohibited during air-quality burn bans. They may also be restricted during a fire-safety burn ban (check with your local fire district.)
- Be a good neighbor. It is always illegal to smoke out your neighbor. If smoke from your fire bothers your neighbors, damages their property, or otherwise causes a nuisance, you must immediately put it out.