Fire pit rules in Modesto, CA — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Modesto's local amendment to California Fire Code Section 307.4.2 prohibits recreational fires (including backyard wood-burning fire pits) except for religious ceremonies, and even those require a permit from the Fire Code Official.
Modesto Municipal Code Section 3-1.206 amends Section 307.4.2 of the 2025 California Fire Code so that recreational fires are prohibited in the city. The only carve-out is for religious ceremonies, and those still require a permit and must comply with any other municipal-code restrictions. The same section also amends 307.5 (Attendance) to require that any open burning or use of portable outdoor fireplaces at one- and two-family dwellings be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished, with at least one 4A-rated portable fire extinguisher plus a water hose, water truck, or dirt/sand medium immediately available. This is a local override of the statewide California Fire Code default, which would otherwise permit recreational fires meeting size and clearance limits (CFC 307.4.2 normally allows a wood fire up to 3 ft x 2 ft, 25 ft from structures).
Violations of Chapter 1 of Title 3 (other than dangerous fireworks under § 3-1.215) carry administrative penalties of $500 for the first violation, $1,000 for a second within twelve months, and $1,500 for subsequent violations within twelve months (§ 3-1.303(b)). The city may also recover full response costs under § 3-1.305.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Modesto, CA
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