Selma, CA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)

Brush clearance and weed abatement in Selma are governed by multiple layers of regulation. Selma's municipal code addresses property maintenance including vegetation that creates fire hazards. California Public Resources Code Section 4291 requires 100 feet of defensible space around all buildings and structures in areas covered by the state responsibility area, though Selma's urban location places it in a local responsibility area. Fresno County Fire Protection District enforces weed abatement standards under County Ordinance 8.32.02, requiring all property to be cleared of dry grass, weeds, rubbish, and flammable material. The county standard requires 30 feet of clearance between the property line and vegetation, 30-foot clearance lanes creating sections of no more than 5 acres, and 30 feet of clearance around any structure. Selma's Central Valley location, hot dry summers (often exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit), and agricultural surroundings make fire hazard reduction critical. The city's code enforcement division monitors compliance and issues notices to property owners who fail to maintain adequate clearance. CAL FIRE manages burn permits for the region through burnpermit.fire.ca.gov.