Recreational Fires in Summer

The Ramona area is bracing for a hot, dry summer, and with the recent rainfall, the risk of fires is especially high. The excess vegetation, now drying, poses a significant fire hazard. It's crucial to prioritize fire safety in your backyard. By taking proactive steps, you can safeguard your home and community from the potentially devastating effects of fire. 

As we all look forward to a summer filled with BBQs, camping, and enjoying the outdoors, it's important to be mindful of the potential risks associated with recreational and cooking fires. Here are some useful tips and reminders to keep in mind.

According to CalFire, residents may have a “recreational fire” for warmth, cooking, or ceremonial activities as long as the fire is contained within an outdoor fireplace, barbecue grill or fire pit and has a total fuel area of three feet or less in diameter and flames are two feet high or less. The space around a recreational fire should be clear for 10 ft from any combustible materials, 15 ft from a structure, and no trees directly overhead. Fires must be continuously monitored while burning.

When using BBQs or other portable fireplaces, ensure they are used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, such as having ember screens in place. Have a fire extinguisher or other extinguishing equipment (dirt, sand, garden hose, water barrel) available for immediate use.

Only clean wood may be burned in a recreational fire pit. Other materials, such as wood pallets, trash, and cleared vegetation, can only be used in a debris burn pile. The season for debris burning ended on Friday, May 31, and will resume when the rainy season returns.

CalFire has in-depth information for safe fire practices and campfire permits on their website, readyforwildfire.org.