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.
Backyard fires in the unincorporated county are governed by the 2022 California Fire Code, adopted by Tulare County Ordinance Code Section 7-15-1115 and enforced by the Tulare County Fire Chief. Under adopted Fire Code Section 307, a 'recreational fire' is an outdoor fire burning clean materials (wood, charcoal) for cooking, warmth, or similar, that is not within an incinerator, fireplace, barbecue grill, or barbecue pit, and is no larger than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet tall. It must be at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material; a manufactured portable outdoor fireplace must be at least 15 feet away. Larger fires (bonfires) need a permit and at least 50 feet of clearance. Tulare County amended Section 307.1.1 (via Code Section 7-15-1130(f)) to prohibit burning of waste, rubbish, trash, and processed materials, so a backyard fire may only burn clean wood. Fires must be constantly attended with extinguishing means (water, hose, or extinguisher) ready, and the fire official may require extinguishment of any fire that is offensive or hazardous. In the foothill State Responsibility Area, additional CAL FIRE restrictions and burn-permit suspensions apply during fire season.
A backyard fire that violates the adopted Fire Code (wrong materials, inadequate clearance, unattended, or during a burn suspension) is an infraction under Code Section 7-15, penalty per Code Section 125. An escaped fire creates liability for fire-suppression costs under Health & Safety Code 13009.
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