As patiofire pits and outdoor fireplaces grow in popularity, so does backyard burning.Homeowners enjoy fire pits and outdoor fireplaces forwarmth, recreation and
cooking.Increase your enjoyment of outdoor fires by knowing you’re doing all you can to burn cleanly, safely, and responsibly for your family, neighbors and community.
Smoke from burning wood is made up of a complex mixture of gasesand fine particles,which are also called particle pollution or particulate matter.Outdoor recreational fires can become a considerable source of fine-particle air pollution – especially in some metro areas. Children and teenagers, older adults, and people with heart or lung disease – including asthma and COPD –can be particularlysensitive to the health effects of particle pollution in wood smoke. Be a good neighbor when burning andconsider your neighbors, as well aswind direction.
Enjoy Your Fire Pit Responsibly
If you choose to burn wood, reduce particlepollution with these steps:
Only burn seasoned, dry wood, which burns hotter and cleaner.
Use a moisture meter to check firewood; moisture content is best at about 20 percent.
Cover stacked wood, but allow good air flow so it can dry.
Never burn wood during air quality alert days, when air pollution is already higher.
Never burn green wood, construction waste, plastic, garbage, or yard waste. They create more smoke and can be toxic.
Take extra care if you live in a region where brush fires are of concern.
Cleaner Alternatives
Learn about your options before burning wood in your backyard. Switching to natural gas or propane reduces harmful air pollutants. Kits that convert existing fire rings and pits to natural gas or propane burners are available at hearth and patio stores.
Check Your Local Laws
Some local governments have adopted ordinances to restrict backyard recreational fires. For more information, check with local authorities.
Residential fire pits are legal as long as you follow your county's laws and regulations. Local authorities put these rules in place to ensure the safety of your home, family, neighbors, and community. If you don't comply with local fire pit safety rules, you can receive fines and penalties.
The short answer is, yes! Fire pits are legal in most cities, however each city in Southern California has different ordinances for building fire pits, and it's good to check the laws for your city before building.
Recreational fires under those definitions are permitted unless it is offensive or objectionable because of smoke or odor or when conditions make such a fire hazardous. A recreational fire of the described size (maximum of 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height) must be a minimum of 25 feet from a structure.
A recreational fire is any outdoor fire with a fuel area no larger than 3' wide by 2' high, is not contained in a outdoor fireplace, BBQ grill or BBQ pit, and is used for pleasure, religious, ceremony, cooking, warmth, etc. This is the typical campfire or fire ring.
Brazier and fire pit guidelines. Council allows the use of above ground braziers and fire pits, provided the smoke does not impact neighbours and the fire does not present a safety risk to people or property.
Keep fire pits at least 10 feet from buildings and trees. Install on a non-flammable surface and away from overhead structures. Check wind patterns to prevent smoke issues. Use services like 811 to locate underground utilities before digging. ]
Portable fire pits need to be placed on fire-resistant surfaces like a brick patio or over stone pavers. Flying embers can be a fire risk if you put your portable fire pit directly onto your grass or place it on a wooden deck.
Open Flame: Any candles, torches, burners or other device which, when used, produces a visible flame capable of igniting ordinary combustible material.
Please obtain a California Campfire Permit if you plan to build a campfire, use a barbecue, use a lantern or use a stove outside any developed recreation area (campground or picnic area).
-Beach fires can only be built in City provided fire rings or contained within a portable propane-fueled device. -Only charcoal, clean wood, or paper can be burned in City provided fire rings (no pallets or rubbish). -Do not leave a fire burning unattended.
Creating a defensible buffer: California mandates a 100-foot defensible space around homes in SRA zones, clearing flammable materials to slow down wildfires and provide a safe perimeter for firefighting efforts.
You want to build your pit at least 10 feet from any building structures, trees, fences, or other obstructions. Keep in mind also that you don't want anything hanging above your fire pit, so even if a base of a tree is 10 feet away, you don't want to have branches hanging directly above the fire pit.
Smoke from burning wood is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles, which are also called particle pollution or particulate matter. Outdoor recreational fires can become a considerable source of fine-particle air pollution – especially in some metro areas.
The ideal place for a fire pit is in the center of a backyard, at least 20 to 25 feet away from anything, Roydhouse says. “With yards that don't have that kind of space, keep at least a 10-foot buffer zone around the pit,” he says. And don't forget the weather.
In fact, many areas have laws requiring 25 feet between the fire pit and your house, shed, vehicle, deck, or other combustible materials. Your town or homeowner's association may also require a site inspection if you plan to build a permanent fire pit.
Fire pits can extend the use of the garden later into the evening and offer a more ambient feel than patio heaters. They are also great for socialising – and you can cook marshmallows with the children.” Many people take small fire pits with them when they go camping, since they don't scald the ground.
It can return between 80-100% of your investment, depending on whether you use brick, stone, or concrete. We recommend placing a fire pit in a hazard-free location, away from any buildings and especially windy spots. Also, connecting your fire pit to natural gas is a way to add some extra value.
This law prohibits outdoor open burning statewide in unincorporated areas during the months of March, April, May, October, and November between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. This ban includes burning of yard waste, trash, and debris, even in a proper burn barrel.
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