8 rules for unincorporated Mariposa County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Recreational fire pits and campfires in unincorporated Mariposa County must be controlled so they cannot spread to wildland. During CAL FIRE burn-permit suspensions, open landscape burning is banned, but campfires in approved pits with clearance and water on hand may still be allowed if maintained to prevent escape.
All fireworks are illegal in Mariposa County, including state-classified 'safe and sane' fireworks. The entire county is unincorporated forest and foothill terrain in a State Responsibility Area, and CAL FIRE's Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit enforces a total ban with citations and confiscation.
Because all of Mariposa County is a CAL FIRE State Responsibility Area, property owners must maintain 100 feet of defensible space around structures under Public Resources Code 4291. Requirements include an ember-resistant zone within 5 feet, intense clearing to 30 feet, and fuel reduction out to 100 feet.
Open burning of landscape debris in Mariposa County requires a Mariposa County APCD burn permit, may only occur on declared permissive burn days, and is frequently suspended by CAL FIRE during fire season. Only clean dry vegetation may be burned, never trash or treated wood.
Virtually all of unincorporated Mariposa County is a CAL FIRE State Responsibility Area with High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Owners must maintain 100 feet of defensible space under PRC 4291, and the county has a documented history of catastrophic fires including the 2022 Oak Fire.
Mariposa County homes follow California's statewide smoke-alarm law (Health & Safety Code 13113.7). Approved smoke alarms are required in each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level. Most homes also need carbon monoxide alarms under HSC 17926. Landlords must ensure alarms work.
Open backyard debris fires in Mariposa County require an APCD burn permit and a declared burn day, and are commonly banned during fire season by CAL FIRE. Contained recreational campfires may be allowed if maintained so they cannot spread to wildland. Only clean dry vegetation may be burned.
Mariposa County does not have a separate propane code; storage follows the California Fire Code (Chapter 61) and NFPA 58. Cylinders must be kept outdoors away from building openings and ignition sources, never in basements or pits, with required clearances from openings and property lines based on tank size.
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