Modesto, CA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Modesto, 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
- Code Section
- Modesto Municipal Code § 3-1.206 (amending CFC § 307.1; deleting CFC § 307.4.1)
- Permit issuer
- San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District
- Allowed only
- Agricultural land within city limits
- Bonfire allowance
- Deleted (CFC 307.4.1 removed by city)
- Wood-fireplace burn ban
- Nov 1 - end of Feb on no-burn days (SJVAPCD Rule 4901)
Summary
Open burning of grass, weeds, agricultural trimmings, or other combustibles is prohibited in Modesto without a permit from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, and permitted burning is restricted to agricultural land within city limits.
No person shall kindle, conduct, or maintain any burning of grass, weeds, agricultural trimmings, or other combustibles... without a permit as required by the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District... Any such permitted burning shall be restricted to agricultural purposes and confined to areas in the city limits in which agricultural uses are lawful or as regulated or prohibited by other municipal codes.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 71).
Full Breakdown
1) provides: '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. 1 of the California Fire Code (which would otherwise have allowed bonfires up to 5 ft x 5 ft, 50 ft from structures with a fire-official permit) is expressly deleted by the city.
Layered on top, the San Joaquin Valley Air District's Rule 4103 governs open-burning eligibility and 'no-burn' days, and Rule 4901 separately bans residential wood combustion (including in fireplaces and stoves) on declared no-burn days from November 1 through the end of February.
Violations & Fines
Administrative penalties of $500 / $1,000 / $1,500 apply for first/second/subsequent Chapter 1 violations within twelve months (§ 3-1.303(b)). Burning without an Air District permit is also separately enforceable by the SJVAPCD with civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation under California Health & Safety Code § 42402. Modesto can recover its full police, code-enforcement, and fire response costs under § 3-1.305.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn leaves or yard waste in my Modesto backyard?
Can I have a bonfire?
What about using my fireplace or wood stove indoors?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Modesto
How Modesto compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Modesto 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.