Lake Forest Municipal Code Ch. 13.22 Open Flames on Public Property Prohibited

A. Except as otherwise provided in subsections B and C, no person shall kindle, build, light, or maintain, or authorize to be kindled, built, lit, or maintained, a fire in the public right-of-way or upon any property owned or operated by the City.

B. Exception—Permit. The City's Building Official, upon consultation with the Orange County Fire Authority, may issue permits authorizing fires otherwise prohibited by subsection A above. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Building Official may designate the Orange County Fire Authority as the entity responsible for issuing said permits.

C. Exception—Designated Areas Subject to Site Reservation System. Open flames for purposes of cooking and warming edible food are permitted at certain designated areas in City parks pursuant to park site reservations and other regulations established by the City Manager or designee.

D. Any fire authorized by subsection B or C shall be subject to, and comply with, all of the following:

1. All conditions of approval imposed on the permit. Said conditions shall include, but are not limited to, a requirement that the permittee comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations governing air pollution.

2. The California Fire Code, as adopted and amended by City ordinance.

3. The use of flammable or combustible liquids (except for approved charcoal lighter fluid) is strictly prohibited.

4. The fire must be attended by one or more responsible persons 21 years of age or older at all times until extinguished.

5. A portable fire extinguisher or other approved equipment or method of extinguishing the fire shall be available for immediate use.

6. The fire, including all embers and coals, must be fully extinguished before vacating the area.

E. It is unlawful and a misdemeanor, subject to punishment in accordance with Section 1.01.200 et seq., of this Code, for any person to violate any provision of this chapter. The City Attorney, at the request of the City Council, may institute an action in any court of competent jurisdiction to restrain, enjoin, or abate the condition(s) found to be in violation of the provisions of this chapter, as provided by law. Violations of this chapter may also be enforced through administrative action. The amount of administrative fines associated with violations of this chapter shall be established by OCTAP and adopted by separate resolution of the City Council.

(Ord. 358 § 16, 2022)