Fresno, CA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Fresno Fire SOP 202.006; FMC section 10-50307.1.1
- Prohibited sites
- Fruit stands, retail sales lots, Christmas tree lots
- Banned devices
- Wood stoves, chimineas, burn barrels, incinerators
- Recommended
- Propane-fired or electric heaters
Summary
Within the City of Fresno, fruit stands, retail sales lots and Christmas tree lots are not allowed to burn for any reason and may not use wood stoves, portable fireplaces, chimineas, burn barrels or incinerators; propane-fired or electric heaters are recommended instead. This complements the citywide open-burning ban that protects against fire spread to dry vegetation.
Fruit Stands: Fruit stands are not allowed to burn for any reason. Wood burning heating devices such as wood stoves, portable fireplaces, chimaeras, burn barrels, or incinerators are prohibited. Propane-fired or electric heaters are recommended by fire protection agencies. Retail Sales Lots: Retail sales lots are not allowed to burn for any reason... Christmas Tree Farms/Lots: Christmas tree lots are not allowed to burn for any reason.
Full Breakdown
Fresno Fire Department SOP 202.006 (Outside Fires) sets specific rules for seasonal commercial sites that often sit near dry, combustible vegetation. Fruit stands, retail sales lots and Christmas tree farms/lots 'are not allowed to burn for any reason,' and wood-burning heating devices such as wood stoves, portable fireplaces, chimineas, burn barrels or incinerators are prohibited at these sites; the department recommends propane-fired or electric heaters. This vegetation- and fire-spread protection is enforced together with the general prohibition on open burning under Fresno Municipal Code section 10-50307.1.1 and SJVAPCD Rule 4103. The fire code official may order immediate extinguishment of any open burning when reasonably necessary for safety and protection of life and health.
Violations & Fines
Burning at a prohibited commercial site can be extinguished on the spot, cited as an administrative violation under FMC section 10-50112.4, and billed for response costs under FMC section 10-50112.5; air-district penalties up to $10,000 per violation per day also apply under H&S Code section 42403.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a roadside fruit stand burn pallets or use a burn barrel for heat?
Do the same rules apply to Christmas tree lots?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fresno
California rules heatmap·Compare Fresno to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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Brush Clearance in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fresno County handle brush clearance.