Fire Regulations in Tulare County, CA (2026)
4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Tulare County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
Backyard recreational fires in unincorporated Tulare County follow the adopted 2022 California Fire Code: a wood or charcoal fire for cooking or warmth, kept small, at least 25 feet from anything combustible, attended at all times. Burning trash, rubbish, or yard waste in a backyard fire is prohibited, and the fire official can order any hazardous fire put out.
Tulare County Backyard Fire Rules
Some RestrictionsCal Fire Tulare Unit residential burn guidance + Tulare County Ord. Code Ch. 7-15 (CFC § 307)
Only dry, natural vegetation such as leaves, pine needles and tree trimmings may be burned, and the burning of trash, wood or other debris isn't allowed. Burn piles should be no larger than four feet in diameter and in height, you can add to the pile as it burns down, and a 10 foot diameter perimeter should be created around the burn area. Those burning should have a shovel and water nearby.
Fireworks
In unincorporated Tulare County, all fireworks are banned in the foothill/mountain State Responsibility Area. Only safe-and-sane fireworks are allowed on the valley floor (Local Responsibility Area), sold by permitted nonprofits during a short window around July 4. Dangerous fireworks are banned countywide. Violations are misdemeanors.
Tulare County Fireworks Rules
Heavy RestrictionsTulare County Ordinance Code Chapter 4-5 (Safety Regulations) — Fireworks Article
It is unlawful for any person to sell, offer for sale or display for sale any Safe and Sane Fireworks within the unincorporated area of the County known as the Local Responsibility Area ('LRA') designated by Cal Fire on the valley floor within which the Tulare County Fire Department has fire suppression responsibility without first obtaining a permit from the County Fire Chief or his or her des...
Outdoor Burning
Outdoor burning of waste, rubbish, and trash is prohibited in unincorporated Tulare County. Residential yard-waste burning is generally not allowed under San Joaquin Valley air rules. In the foothills/mountains (State Responsibility Area), permitted residential and agricultural burning requires a CAL FIRE burn permit, a permissive burn day, and is suspended during fire season.
Tulare County Outdoor Burning Rules
Heavy RestrictionsCal Fire Burn Permit Program (Public Resources Code § 4423) + SJVAPCD Rules 4103/4106
Burn permits within the State Responsibility Area can be applied for online through CAL FIRE's Burn Permit website. Burn permits are required for Hazard Reduction Burning by both California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD). Only dry, natural vegetation such as leaves, pine needles and tree trimmings may be burn...
Wildfire Zones
Tulare County has formally designated Moderate, High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones across the unincorporated Local Responsibility Area, matching the map CAL FIRE transmitted on March 10, 2025, as required by state law. The designation applies wherever the county, rather than a city or fire district, bears wildfire prevention and suppression responsibility.
Tulare County Fire Hazard Severity Zones
Some RestrictionsTulare County Ordinance Code § 7-33-1010(a)
The County of Tulare hereby designates the Moderate, High, and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones in accordance with the map transmitted on March 10, 2025, by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection for the Tulare County unincorporated Local Responsibility Area pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code, including all amendments or revisions thereto.
Fire Regulations by City in Tulare County
1 cities in Tulare County have their own fire regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Tulare County ordinances
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