Fresno, CA Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Fresno, CA, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Code Section
- SJVAPCD Rule 4901 sections 3.14 and 5.7
- Curtailment season
- November 1 - end of February
- Hot-spot county
- Fresno (stricter PM2.5 thresholds)
- Banned fuels
- Garbage, treated/non-seasoned wood, plastics, rubber
Summary
Backyard fire pits, fire rings, burn bowls and chimineas are legal in Fresno for cooking or recreation, but the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) Rule 4901 prohibits operating any outdoor wood-burning device on declared 'Check Before You Burn' curtailment days from November 1 through February. Fresno is a Rule 4901 'hot spot' county with the strictest curtailment thresholds.
3.14 Outdoor Wood Burning Device: any wood burning fireplace, or other device designed to burn wood, and that is located outside of a building or structure. This includes, but is not limited to, burn bowls, fire rings/pits, and chimineas. This does not include fire pits at state parks, national parks, or national forests. ... 5.7 Episodic Wood Burning Curtailment. This section shall be in effect annually during the months of November through February. 5.7.1 Level One Episodic Wood Burning Curtailment. A wood burning fireplace, low mass fireplace, masonry heater, outdoor wood burning device, or nonregistered wood burning heater shall not be operated within the geographic region for which a Level One Episodic Wood Burning Curtailment is in effect.
Full Breakdown
SJVAPCD Rule 4901 governs wood-burning fire pits in Fresno. Section 3.14 defines an 'Outdoor Wood Burning Device' to include burn bowls, fire rings/pits and chimineas located outside a building. Section 5.7 (Episodic Wood Burning Curtailment), in effect annually November through February, prohibits operating such a device whenever a Level One or Level Two curtailment is declared for the region. Because Fresno County is a designated PM2.5 hot spot (listed alongside Madera and the Valley portion of Kern), it faces lower curtailment trigger thresholds than other Valley counties. Rule 4901 also bans burning garbage, treated wood, non-seasoned wood, plastics and rubber in any fire pit (Section 5.6). Outside curtailment days, the Fresno Fire Department permits recreational fires using clean, dry wood or charcoal when attended and a safe distance from structures (see fire department SOP 202.006). Gas- or propane-fueled fire pits are not regulated by Rule 4901.
Violations & Fines
Operating a fire pit on a curtailment day is an air-district violation. Under California Health & Safety Code section 42403 the District may assess civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation per day; the first residential violation is typically resolved with a fine or a wood-smoke awareness course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my backyard fire pit in winter in Fresno?
Does the curtailment apply to propane or natural-gas fire pits?
What can I burn in my fire pit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fresno
How Fresno compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Fresno to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fresno County handle fire pits & backyard fires.