Fresno County, CA Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Restricted season
- June 1 through October 31
- Covered land
- Grain, grass, brush, timber-covered land
- Exceptions
- Campsites, buildings, vehicles with ashtrays, cleared 3-ft spot
- Penalty class
- Infraction under § 8.32.100
- Enforcing officials
- Peace officers, state and federal fire officers
Summary
Fresno County bans smoking on grain, grass, brush or timber-covered land between June 1 and October 31 each year under Section 8.32.060. The rule targets wildfire risk on undeveloped land rather than parks or restaurant patios, and it excuses smoking in improved campsites, buildings, vehicles with ashtrays, and cleared three-foot spots.
It is unlawful for any person to smoke or ignite tobacco or other smoking material in any form upon grain, grass, brush or timber-covered lands belonging to another including such lands publicly owned or upon any road, path or trail traversing such lands between June 1st and October 31st inclusive of any year, except in any of the following circumstances:1.In improved camp sites2.In places of human habitation;3.In automobiles equipped with ash trays while on improved roads and trails;4.While on foot and stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter which is completely clear of any inflammable matter, provided in all such instances burning or glowing substances shall be completely extinguished before being discarded.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 51).
Full Breakdown
060(A) makes it unlawful to smoke or ignite tobacco or other smoking material on grain, grass, brush or timber-covered land belonging to someone else, including publicly owned land, or on any road, path or trail crossing such land, during the June 1 through October 31 fire season. The section carves out four exceptions: improved campsites, places of human habitation, automobiles equipped with ashtrays while on improved roads, and a spot at least three feet in diameter cleared of inflammable material while on foot, and even then any burning material must be fully extinguished before being discarded.
S. Forest Service officers, and anyone empowered to make arrests under Public Resources Code Sections 4151 and 4156. 020. 5 and Government Code Section 7596, so this local chapter reaches both wildland fire-season smoking and, by reference, certain indoor settings.
Violations & Fines
A violation of the wildland smoking restriction is an infraction under Section 8.32.100 unless the code specifies otherwise. Related noncompliance with a notice to remove inflammable waste material is a misdemeanor under Section 8.32.040, with each ten-day period the violation continues treated as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke while hiking on a trail in unincorporated Fresno County?
Does the Fresno County smoking ban apply to my backyard?
What is the penalty for smoking in a restricted wildland area?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fresno County
California rules heatmap·Compare Fresno County to another location·View the California public conduct overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.