Outdoor Burning: Fresno vs Reedley
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Fresno, CA and Reedley, CA?
Fresno and Reedley have similar restriction levels.
Fresno, CA
Fresno County
Open burning of yard waste, leaves, and trash is prohibited in Fresno year-round under SJVAPCD Rule 4103 and FMC Chapter 15. Recreational campfires are prohibited in residential yards. Only approved cooking appliances (gas or charcoal BBQ, outdoor fireplace with spark arrester) are allowed. San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District's Rule 4901 Check Before You Burn program also restricts woodburning fireplaces on declared no-burn days.
View full Fresno rules →Reedley, CA
Fresno County
Residential outdoor burning is prohibited under SJVAPCD rules. Agricultural burning has been nearly eliminated since January 2025. CAL FIRE burn permits apply during fire season.
View full Reedley rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fresno | Reedley |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Air District | - | SJVAPCD -- no residential burning |
| Ag Burning | - | Nearly all phased out by Jan 2025 |
| Park Fires | - | RMC 7-3-4 -- designated areas only |
| CAL FIRE | - | Burn permit required in fire season |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fresno FAQ
Can I have a backyard fire pit in Fresno?
Only if it is a cooking appliance (gas or charcoal BBQ, approved fire pit used for cooking) with a spark arrester and 25-foot clearance. Pure recreational wood fires are not allowed under the SJVAPCD rules.
Can I burn leaves in my Fresno backyard?
No. Open burning of yard waste is prohibited year-round by SJVAPCD Rule 4103 and the California Fire Code. Use green-waste curbside pickup through the Fresno solid waste service.
Reedley FAQ
Can I burn yard waste or leaves in my backyard in Reedley?
No. Residential open burning of yard waste, leaves, and debris is prohibited in the San Joaquin Valley air basin. You must use the city's green waste collection or take materials to an approved disposal facility.
Are agricultural burns still allowed near Reedley?
Very limited categories remain. As of January 2025, most agricultural open burning has been phased out in the SJVAPCD. Growers must hold a valid ag burn permit and call the district's burn-decision line before any approved activity.
Who enforces outdoor burning rules in Reedley?
The SJVAPCD enforces air quality burning rules, CAL FIRE manages burn permits during fire season, and Reedley Code Enforcement handles city nuisance violations.
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