Backyard Fires: Fresno vs Reedley
How do backyard fires rules compare between Fresno, CA and Reedley, CA?
Fresno and Reedley have similar restriction levels.
Fresno, CA
Fresno County
Pure recreational wood fires in Fresno backyards are prohibited because SJVAPCD Rule 4103 bans open burning of natural material and the California Fire Code only allows cooking and warming fires. Gas fire pits, BBQs, and chimineas used for cooking are allowed with 25-foot clearance from structures and combustible materials.
View full Fresno rules →Reedley, CA
Fresno County
Backyard wood fires are banned on SJVAPCD no-burn days (typically November through February). On burn days, fires must be under 3 ft diameter with 25 ft clearance from structures.
View full Reedley rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fresno | Reedley |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Air District | - | SJVAPCD -- Check Before You Burn |
| Max Fire Size | - | 3 ft diameter, 2 ft height (CFC) |
| Setback | - | 25 ft from structures |
| No-Burn Season | - | Typically November through February |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fresno FAQ
Can I have a gas fire pit in my Fresno backyard?
Yes. Propane or natural gas fire pits are allowed as long as they are 15-25 feet from structures, overhangs, and combustible vegetation. They are also exempt from SJVAPCD no-burn day rules.
Is a chiminea legal in Fresno?
Yes if used as a cooking appliance with a spark arrester and 25-foot clearance. Pure recreational wood burning in chimineas is restricted by SJVAPCD Rule 4103 on open burning.
Reedley FAQ
Can I have a fire pit in my backyard in Reedley?
You can on permissible burn days, but you must check the SJVAPCD daily burn status first. On no-burn curtailment days, all outdoor wood burning is prohibited. When allowed, fires must be 3 feet or less in diameter with 25 feet of clearance from structures.
Are propane or natural gas fire pits restricted during no-burn days?
Gas-fueled fire pits that burn propane or natural gas are generally exempt from wood-burning curtailments since they do not produce particulate matter. They must still comply with California Fire Code setback and safety requirements.
Where can I check if today is a burn day in Reedley?
Check the SJVAPCD website at valleyair.org or call the burn-decision hotline. The district posts daily burn status for all eight San Joaquin Valley counties including Fresno County.
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