Stanislaus County, CA Fire Regulations: Backyard Fires (2026)

Backyard fires in unincorporated Stanislaus County are governed by the 2022 California Fire Code, adopted in County Code Chapter 16.55 and enforced by the Stanislaus County Fire Prevention Division. California Fire Code Section 307 distinguishes a "recreational fire" — an outdoor fire for cooking, warmth, religious or similar purposes, not in an incinerator and with a total fuel area no greater than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high — from a bonfire. A recreational fire shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material (Section 307.4.2), and a bonfire requires a 50-foot setback. All such fires must be constantly attended until fully extinguished, and at least one 4-A rated portable fire extinguisher or other approved on-site means (garden hose, water barrel, bucket of sand or dirt) must be immediately available, per Section 307. The fuel must be clean, dry firewood — not leaves, brush, household trash or construction debris. The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District separately prohibits open burning of garbage, household trash and yard debris and bans burn barrels on the valley floor. During declared high fire danger, CAL FIRE may also restrict open flames in the eastern foothill State Responsibility Area. Always check current conditions before lighting a backyard fire.