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Fire Regulations in Martinez, CA (2026)

6 verified fire regulations for Martinez, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Fire Pit Rules

Outdoor wood-burning fire pits are restricted by BAAQMD Regulation 5 open burning rules. Permanent natural gas fire features may be permitted with a Martinez Building Division permit. No wood burning on Spare the Air days. Contact Contra Costa County Fire Protection District for specific requirements.

Martinez Fire Pit Rules

Heavy Restrictions

Fireworks

Martinez bans ALL consumer fireworks, including state-approved "safe and sane" varieties. The ban reflects the city's proximity to the Shell Martinez Refinery and surrounding wildland-urban interface. Possession, sale, or use carries significant fines and potential misdemeanor charges under Martinez Municipal Code Chapter 8.16 and California Health & Safety Code §12500 et seq.

Fire: Fireworks

Heavy Restrictions

Brush Clearance

Properties in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones in Martinez must maintain defensible space under CA Public Resources Code §4291. Zone 1 (0–30 ft from structures): remove all dead vegetation and maintain fire-resistant plants. Zone 2 (30–100 ft): reduce density of shrubs and trees. Annual inspections may be conducted by Contra Costa County Fire Protection District.

Martinez Brush Clearance & Defensible Space

Heavy Restrictions

Outdoor Burning

Backyard burning is PROHIBITED under Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) Regulation 5, which has banned open residential burning since 1970. No burning is allowed on Spare the Air days. Agricultural burns may be permitted with BAAQMD authorization.

Martinez Outdoor Burning Rules

Heavy Restrictions

Wildfire Zones

The State Fire Marshal has designated portions of Martinez as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ). Properties within these zones face additional building code requirements (Chapter 7A of the California Building Code), mandatory defensible space, and stricter vegetation management. Check the Cal Fire FHSZ maps or cityofmartinez.org for zone designation of your property.

Martinez Wildfire Hazard Zones

Heavy Restrictions

Smoke Detectors

Martinez requires working smoke alarms in all residential dwellings under California Health & Safety Code §13113.7 and the California Building Code. Alarms are required in each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level. Sealed 10-year battery or hardwired alarms required for new installations.

Fire: Smoke Alarms

Some Restrictions

California Health & Safety Code § 13113.7

13113.7. (a) (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, smoke alarms, approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Section 13114 at the time of installation, shall be installed, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions in each dwelling intended for human occupancy. (2) For all dwelling units intended for human occupancy for which a building permit is issued on or a...

Looking for Contra Costa County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Martinez city rules.

Fire Regulations in Contra Costa County