Outdoor burning rules in Selma, 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.
Selma prohibits outdoor burning within city limits under Title VII, Chapter 7 of the Selma Municipal Code, specifically SMC 7-7-1 (Burning Prohibited). This prohibition applies to the burning of refuse, yard waste, leaves, construction debris, agricultural waste, and any other combustible materials on both residential and commercial properties throughout the city. The ban is reinforced by the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) Rule 4103, which independently prohibits residential open burning across Fresno County and the entire San Joaquin Valley air basin due to the region's severe air quality challenges with particulate matter. Selma's location in the Central Valley makes air quality a persistent public health concern, and outdoor burning is one of the activities most strictly regulated. The Selma Fire Department enforces the local burning prohibition, while the SJVAPCD independently enforces air quality violations. Residents must use alternative disposal methods such as curbside green waste collection, composting, or hauling materials to approved disposal facilities. Barbecues and cooking appliances that use charcoal, propane, or natural gas remain exempt from these prohibitions when used exclusively for food preparation.
Under SMC 7-7-1, it is unlawful to burn any material outdoors within the City of Selma without prior written authorization from the Fire Department. This includes but is not limited to the burning of household trash, yard trimmings, tree branches, lumber scraps, cardboard, paper products, and any other combustible materials. The prohibition applies to all residential, commercial, and industrial properties within the city limits regardless of lot size or zoning district. Burn barrels, open pits, and any uncontained fire used for the purpose of disposing of materials are expressly prohibited. The SJVAPCD enforces Rule 4103, which provides a separate and independent prohibition on residential burning throughout the San Joaquin Valley, including all of Fresno County where Selma is located. Agricultural burning on parcels within city limits requires a separate permit from the SJVAPCD and must comply with the district's Check Before You Burn program, which monitors daily air quality conditions and issues burn or no-burn advisories. Even with a valid agricultural burn permit, burning is not permitted on days when the SJVAPCD declares a no-burn day due to poor air quality or unfavorable atmospheric conditions for smoke dispersal. The Selma Fire Department, led by Fire Marshal Anthony Rivas, oversees local enforcement of the burning prohibition and can be reached at (559) 891-2265 for questions about what is and is not permitted. Controlled burns for land management, fire hazard reduction, or vegetation clearance are not permitted within city limits without express written authorization from both the City Fire Department and the SJVAPCD. Cooking appliances such as charcoal grills, propane barbecues, and natural gas outdoor kitchens are generally exempt from the open burning prohibition because they are designed and used exclusively for food preparation rather than material disposal. However, these appliances must still comply with California Fire Code setback requirements, maintaining adequate clearance from combustible structures and vegetation. Violations of SMC 7-7-1 are classified as misdemeanors under the Selma Municipal Code. SJVAPCD Rule 4103 violations carry separate penalties that can start at $1,000 per day for residential burning infractions, with repeat violations subject to escalating fines and potential criminal prosecution.
Violations of SMC 7-7-1 are classified as misdemeanors. SJVAPCD Rule 4103 violations can result in fines starting at $1,000 per day for residential burning. Repeat violations carry escalating penalties and may result in criminal prosecution.
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