Ceres, CA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Ceres, CA, also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance, set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Key Facts
- Permit required
- San Joaquin Valley air district permit
- Allowed use
- Agricultural burning only
- Recreational fires
- Must be constantly attended
- Equipment required
- 4A extinguisher plus water or dirt/sand
- Governing code
- 2025 CA Fire Code § 307, as amended
Summary
Ceres bans open burning of grass, weeds, and agricultural trimmings without a permit from the San Joaquin Valley air district, limited to lawful agricultural areas.
No person shall kindle, conduct, or maintain any burning of grass, weeds, agricultural trimmings, or other combustibles or authorize any such fire to be kindled, conducted, or maintained without a permit as required by the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District and compliance with all safeguards pursuant thereto. Any such permitted burning shall be restricted to agricultural purposes and confined to areas in the city limits in which agricultural uses are lawful...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 4).
Full Breakdown
The Ceres Municipal Code amends the California Fire Code to prohibit kindling, conducting, or maintaining any burning of grass, weeds, agricultural trimmings, or other combustibles without a permit from the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District. Permitted burning is restricted to agricultural purposes and confined to areas where agricultural uses are lawful. Recreational open burning and portable outdoor fireplaces at one- and two-family dwellings must be constantly attended, with a fire extinguisher (minimum 4A rating) and water hose, water truck, or dirt/sand on hand until fully extinguished.
Violations & Fines
Burning without an air district permit, burning outside lawful agricultural areas, or leaving an open fire or portable fireplace unattended without required extinguishing equipment on hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn yard waste in my backyard in Ceres?
Do I need to watch a backyard fire pit in Ceres?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ceres
How Ceres compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Ceres to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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