Fire pit rules in Tulare, CA — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Tulare Municipal Code Ch. 3.12 (Outdoor Burning) permits residential fire pits, chimineas and outdoor fireplaces only if the fire area is 3 feet or less in diameter, fuel is clean dry wood or charcoal, and the device sits at least 10 feet from any structure or combustible material (exception for outdoor fireplaces at one- and two-family dwellings). Fires must be constantly attended by a non-impaired adult.
Per TMC Ch. 3.12 and the California Fire Code §307 (adopted by reference in TMC § 3.08.010), recreational fires in Tulare must be contained in a fire bowl, fire pit, chiminea or outdoor fireplace with a fire area not larger than 3 feet in diameter. Homemade fire bowls are allowed only if no larger than 3 feet diameter and 1 foot in height and built of noncombustible material that contains the fire and its embers. Only clean dry wood and/or charcoal may be burned — no coatings, preservatives, debris, trash, garbage, demolition material, or yard waste. Outdoor fireplaces cannot be operated within 10 feet of any structure or combustible material (one- and two-family dwellings excepted). Nearby dry weeds or other hazards that could allow fire to spread must be cleared before ignition. Tulare is also under San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District Rule 4901, which restricts residential wood burning Nov 1 – Feb 28 on No-Burn Days regardless of municipal rules.
Tulare Fire Department may extinguish any non-compliant fire and issue a citation under TMC § 3.08.010 (CFC §109 violations). Burning on a SJVAPCD No-Burn Day is enforced separately by the Air District with fines starting at $50 for first offense and rising for repeat offenders. Unattended or out-of-control fires may also be charged as a nuisance under TMC § 7.28.030.
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