Backyard Fires: Reedley vs Selma
How do backyard fires rules compare between Reedley, CA and Selma, CA?
Reedley and Selma have similar restriction levels.
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 →Selma, CA
Fresno County
Backyard recreational fires in Selma are substantially restricted by the combination of SMC 7-7-1, which prohibits open burning within city limits, and the SJVAPCD air quality regulations that independently govern particulate emissions throughout the San Joaquin Valley. Open burning of any kind, including bonfires, burn barrels, and uncontained campfire-style fires, is prohibited on residential properties in Selma. However, contained fire appliances using natural gas or propane that do not produce visible smoke are generally permitted because they are classified as appliances rather than open fires under the California Fire Code. These gas-fueled fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, and similar decorative heating devices must comply with CFC Section 308.1.4 setback requirements, maintaining a minimum 10-foot clearance from structures and combustible materials. Wood-burning fire pits, chimineas, and outdoor wood-burning fireplaces that generate smoke and particulate matter are effectively prohibited by the dual regulatory framework of the Selma burning ban and the SJVAPCD Check Before You Burn program. The Selma Fire Department enforces backyard fire regulations through its prevention division under Fire Marshal Anthony Rivas.
View full Selma rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Reedley | Selma |
|---|---|---|
| Air District | SJVAPCD -- Check Before You Burn | 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 | - |
| Open Burning | - | Prohibited (SMC 7-7-1) |
| Gas Fire Pits | - | Generally permitted |
| Wood-Burning | - | Effectively prohibited |
| Clearance | - | 10 ft from structures (CFC) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Selma FAQ
Can I have a fire pit in my backyard in Selma?
Gas-fueled propane or natural gas fire pits are generally allowed since they do not produce smoke or burning debris. Wood-burning fire pits are effectively prohibited by the open burning ban under SMC 7-7-1 and SJVAPCD air quality rules. Gas fire pits must maintain a 10-foot clearance from structures and combustible materials.
What about chimineas or wood-burning fireplaces outdoors?
Wood-burning outdoor devices that produce smoke and particulate matter are not permitted under the open burning prohibition in SMC 7-7-1. The SJVAPCD also restricts particulate emissions throughout the San Joaquin Valley, especially during Check Before You Burn no-burn days that are common in fall and winter months.
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