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San Francisco, CA Fire Regulations: Wildfire Zones (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
SF Fire Code § 105.5.37
Permit type
Operational permit (Fire Department)
Applies to
Torches, open-flame devices in wildfire risk areas
Related permit
Hot work in wildfire risk area (§105.5.25)

Summary

San Francisco requires a Fire Department operational permit before anyone uses a torch or other open-flame device inside a designated wildfire risk area, covering hillside and open-space zones prone to wildland fire spread.

105.5.37. [For SF] Open Flame and Torches. An operational permit is required to use a torch or open-flame device in a wildfire risk area.

Source: Cal Fire FHSZ MapsView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-96: Codes: last updated to include changes made by legislation through Ordinance 133-26, File No. 260686, approved July 23, 2026, effective August 23, 2026).

Full Breakdown

Under San Francisco Fire Code Section 105.5.37, using a torch or open-flame device anywhere within a designated wildfire risk area requires an operational permit issued by the Fire Department before work begins. The Fire Code separately requires a hot-work permit for any hot work -- welding, cutting, or similar spark-producing operations -- conducted within a wildfire risk area under Section 105.5.25. Both permits are administered by the Bureau of Fire Prevention, and permits are not transferable between property owners, tenants, or contractors.

Violations & Fines

Operating without the required permit violates the Fire Code and can result in citation, an order to stop work, and permit revocation by the Fire Department's Bureau of Fire Prevention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to use a torch in San Francisco's wildfire risk areas?
Yes. San Francisco Fire Code Section 105.5.37 requires an operational permit from the Fire Department before using any torch or open-flame device within a designated wildfire risk area.
Does welding in a wildfire risk area also need a permit?
Yes. Section 105.5.25 requires a separate hot-work operational permit for welding, cutting or other hot work performed within a designated wildfire risk area.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in San Francisco

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsSmoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsOutdoor BurningSome RestrictionsFireworksHeavy RestrictionsBrush ClearanceSignificant RestrictionsPropane StorageSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions

All San Francisco rules

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