Backyard wood fires are banned on SJVAPCD no-burn days (typically November through February). On burn days, fires must be under 3 ft diameter with 25 ft clearance from structures.
Reedley is located in the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, which has some of the strictest air quality regulations in the nation due to the valley's persistent particulate matter problems. The SJVAPCD enforces mandatory no-burn curtailments (Check Before You Burn program) typically from November through February, during which all wood-burning devices including outdoor fire pits, chimineas, and campfire rings are prohibited. On days when burning is allowed, recreational fires must comply with California Fire Code requirements adopted by Reedley under RMC 9-1-1. The CFC limits recreational fires to 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height, requires a minimum 25-foot clearance from structures and combustible materials, and mandates that a means of fire suppression (garden hose or extinguisher) be immediately available. Fires must be attended at all times and fully extinguished before being left unattended. RMC Section 7-3-4 specifically requires that fires in city parks be lit only in designated areas and extinguished with water when no longer needed. Burning of trash, treated wood, plastics, or other non-natural materials is prohibited at all times.
Burning on a no-burn day carries SJVAPCD fines starting at $50 for a first offense and up to $500 for repeat violations. Unattended fires or fires creating a nuisance may result in city code enforcement citations of $100 to $500. Fire department response costs may be assessed for fires that spread.
See how other cities in Fresno County handle backyard fires.
See how Reedley's backyard fires rules stack up against other locations.
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