Fire pit rules in Visalia, CA — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Residential fire pits in Visalia must follow California Fire Code §307 setbacks (25 ft open recreational fire; 15 ft portable outdoor fireplace) and VMC 8.44 prohibitions on unsupervised, roaring, or smoke-nuisance fires. Fires are banned in Visalia parks except in designated charcoal BBQ grills for cooking (VMC 12.32.105).
Fire pit operation in Visalia is governed by the 2022 California Fire Code (adopted at VMC 8.20.010) and Visalia Municipal Code Chapter 8.44 (open burning). Under CFC §307.4.2, a recreational fire (defined as an outdoor fire burning materials other than rubbish, with fuel area not exceeding 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height, for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth, or similar purposes) shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material. CFC §307.4.3 lowers this to 15 feet for a portable outdoor fireplace. VMC 8.44.030 separately prohibits unsupervised fires, fires within proximity of dry weeds or other hazards, roaring or out-of-control fires, and fires producing smoke offensive to surrounding neighbors. Section 8.44.060 of the Visalia code addresses outdoor fireplaces and requires that dry weeds and other spread hazards be eliminated prior to ignition. In city parks, VMC 12.32.105 prohibits kindling or building any fire (including in portable fire rings or other receptacles) without a permit or city-sponsored function; the only exception is charcoal-fueled BBQ grills used solely for cooking in designated areas, and grill fires must be completely extinguished before leaving the park.
The Fire Code Official may order any non-compliant fire pit extinguished. Violations are punishable as misdemeanors under VMC general penalty provisions. Unauthorized park fires are park-rule violations subject to citation by police or park rangers.
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