Merced, CA Fire Regulations: Backyard Fires (2026)

The City of Merced adopts the California Fire Code through Merced Municipal Code Chapter 17.32 (the 'Fire Prevention Code'), and the City of Merced Fire Department provides fire protection and enforcement. The California Fire Code Chapter 3 governs backyard recreational fires. Under CFC Section 307.4.2, recreational fires must not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material, and any condition that could let a fire spread within 25 feet must be cleared before lighting. Portable outdoor fireplaces (chimineas and similar manufactured units) at one- and two-family dwellings are treated more leniently than open fires but still must be operated safely away from combustibles. Every recreational fire must be constantly attended by a responsible adult with a hose, bucket, or extinguisher available until the fire is fully out. Burning yard waste, trash, or construction debris is not a recreational fire and is prohibited - both by the fire code and by San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District open-burning rules. Because Merced sits on the valley floor, the SJVAPCD issues daily burn declarations, and wood-burning fires are discouraged on no-burn days for air-quality reasons. Propane and natural-gas fire features are the simplest compliant option and avoid wood-smoke restrictions entirely.