8 rules for unincorporated Siskiyou County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Recreational fire pits in unincorporated Siskiyou County are governed by CAL FIRE and Siskiyou County APCD rather than a stand-alone county fire-pit ordinance. Within State Responsibility Areas, open burning requires a CAL FIRE burn permit, and burning is suspended during fire season. Only dry natural vegetation may be burned — never household waste.
Siskiyou County totally bans personal fireworks in unincorporated areas. Ordinance No. 22-11 (County Code Sec. 3-3.1.04) prohibits selling, using, discharging, displaying, possessing, or storing any fireworks (as defined in Health & Safety Code Sec. 12511), including 'safe and sane' devices. Only State Fire Marshal-permitted public displays are exempt.
Most of unincorporated Siskiyou County is a State Responsibility Area, where California Public Resources Code Sec. 4291 requires 100 feet of defensible space around structures. Owners must clear flammable vegetation, with intensive reduction within 30 feet and an ember-resistant zone within 5 feet of buildings.
Outdoor burning in unincorporated Siskiyou County requires a valid burn permit and is regulated by the Siskiyou County APCD and CAL FIRE. CAL FIRE issues permits during fire season and the APCD during the non-fire season. Only dry natural vegetation may be burned; household garbage and many other materials are prohibited.
Most of unincorporated Siskiyou County lies in CAL FIRE's State Responsibility Area and carries Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) designations from the State Fire Marshal. These zones drive defensible-space (PRC 4291) and Wildland-Urban Interface building requirements. The county cannot lower a state FHSZ classification but may raise it.
Siskiyou County follows California state law for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Health & Safety Code Sec. 13113.7 requires State Fire Marshal-approved smoke alarms in all dwellings — in each sleeping room, adjacent hallways, every story, and basements. Violations are an infraction with a fine up to $200.
Backyard burning in unincorporated Siskiyou County requires a CAL FIRE or APCD burn permit and is limited to dry natural vegetation grown on site. CAL FIRE frequently suspends residential burning during fire season. Burning is allowed only on burn days, within burn hours, and never in windy conditions.
Propane (LP-gas) storage in unincorporated Siskiyou County follows the California Fire Code (2025 edition, Title 24 Part 9) Chapter 61 and NFPA 58. Container placement and clearances to buildings and lot lines follow Fire Code tables, subject to approval of the fire code official.
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