Fire Break Laws: California's Unique Safety Precaution

California has diverse regional climates, and some local government agencies have stricter standards than the State's minimum requirements for fire breaks. For example, in San Diego County, the first and second zones in Defensible Space are 50 feet each, while elsewhere they are 30 and 70 feet respectively. California mandates a 100-foot defensible space around homes in State Responsibility Areas (SRA), clearing flammable materials to slow down wildfires and provide a safe perimeter for firefighting efforts. The statewide, year-round fire restrictions remain in effect, and the public is required to follow certain criteria before building, attending, maintaining, or using a campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove outside of a developed campground.

Fire safety laws for residents in State Responsibility Areas (SRAs)

California frequently ranks at or near the top of lists for both the greatest number of wildfires and total number of acres burned in any given year. The state government takes responsibility for preventing and suppressing wildfires in areas outside of federal ownership or city boundaries. These areas are designated as State Responsibility Areas (SRAs).

Residents of SRAs are subject to various legal requirements, such as disclosing fire hazards in an NHD Report. In 2005, the state introduced a fire safety law extending the required defensible space clearance around structures in high-risk areas from 30 feet to 100 feet or the property line, whichever comes first. The goal of this increase was to help homes and other structures survive a wildfire, while also giving firefighters more space from which to safely fight fires.

To create a defensible space, property owners must clear out flammable brush and vegetation within the two zones. This includes a focus on both horizontal and vertical space, as creating open space between trees, shrubs and other plant life makes it harder for a fire to spread. This is especially important in the area closest to the home. Defensible space requirements include trimming back any tree branches that overhang the home, keeping lawns mowed to a height shorter than four inches and not storing wood piles near the structure.

Homeowners must also take steps to “harden” their homes against fire danger, such as using fire-resistant roofing materials and double-pane windows. Beginning in 2011, homeowners in SRAs were also required to pay an annual fee of $150 per habitable structure on their property. This Fire Prevention Fee was designed to cover the services the state provided to homeowners living in these higher-risk areas, such as brush clearance around roads and communities and efforts to improve forest health.

California law authorizes officers to restrict access to any area where a menace to public health or safety exists due to a calamity such as flood, storm, fire, earthquake, explosion, accident, or other disaster. Refusal to comply is a misdemeanor.

Fire safety laws for campfire use

In California, campfires are allowed, but regulations are in place to ensure safe use and environmental protection. Here are some fire safety laws for campfire use:

• It is illegal to set a fire or cause a fire on any land that is not your own or under your legal control without the owner's permission. This includes forest, brush, or other flammable materials.
• You must obtain a campfire permit for campfire use. Campfire permits are free and can be obtained online.
• Campfires must be built within a five-foot diameter area cleared to bare soil and free of any overhead flammable materials.
• A functioning round-point shovel with a length of at least 35 inches must be easily accessible in case of fire ignition.
• Recreational shooting is prohibited during a campfire, as steel targets, steel jacketed, steel core, or incendiary ammunition are more likely to cause a fire.
• Fireworks, including "safe and sane" devices, are prohibited year-round on public lands.
• During a Red Flag Warning or Fire Weather Watch, campfires are not permitted.
• When mowing your yard or clearing weeds, it is recommended to do so early in the morning and on cooler days with no wind to reduce the risk of fire.
• Motor vehicles or internal combustion engines are not permitted off-road, except for personal firewood cutting with chainsaws until 1 pm daily.
• When evacuating due to a fire, it is important to do so immediately.

Fire safety laws for recreational target shooting

Fire safety is a critical concern for recreational target shooters in California, especially given the state's susceptibility to wildfires. Shooters must adhere to strict fire safety laws and regulations to minimize the risk of human-caused wildfires and ensure a safe environment for everyone. Here are some key fire safety laws and guidelines for recreational target shooting in California:

Understanding Federal, State, and Local Laws:

Recreational target shooters in California need to be aware of and comply with federal, state, and local laws governing the activity. These laws regulate the use of firearms, ammunition, and other shooting equipment on public lands, such as those managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). It is essential to regularly check the BLM website and local government resources for any updates or changes in the laws and regulations.

Legal Firearms, Ammunition, and Magazines:

All firearms, ammunition, and magazines used for recreational target shooting must be legal under California state law and local laws. This includes ensuring that the equipment complies with regulations on firearm types and configurations, and restrictions on certain types of ammunition. For instance, the use of incendiary, tracer, steel core, or armor-piercing ammunition, as well as exploding targets, is prohibited in many areas due to the increased risk of wildfires.

Valid Hunting License:

A valid California hunting license may be required for certain types of shooting activities. It is essential to check with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for specific license requirements and hunting regulations.

Safe Distances and Zones:

Recreational target shooters must maintain safe distances from populated areas, highways, roads, trails, and structures. California has specific safety zones in place, such as the 150-yard "safety zone" near occupied dwellings, residences, or other buildings, where hunting or discharging a firearm is prohibited. Shooters should also be mindful of local regulations, such as those in Riverside County and San Diego County, which have additional restrictions on shooting distances from buildings, public areas, and roads.

Fire Safety Precautions:

During fire season and periods of increased fire risk, extra precautions must be taken. This includes having a shovel, fire extinguisher, and a valid California Campfire Permit on hand. Shooters should also clear a five-foot diameter area around any campfires, ensuring it is free of flammable materials. Additionally, recreational target shooting is prohibited during any Red Flag Warning or Fire Weather Watch.

Environmental Considerations:

Practicing Leave No Trace Principles is crucial to minimizing the environmental impact of recreational target shooting. This includes proper waste disposal, such as picking up shell casings, targets, and other shooting debris. Shooters should also respect wildlife and avoid disturbing animals or their habitats, especially near water sources or feeding areas.

Fire and Target Shooting Restrictions:

The BLM implements seasonal fire and target shooting restrictions in certain areas, such as the California Desert District, to reduce the risk of wildfires. Shooters must check for updates on these restrictions before heading out to their shooting locations.

Law Enforcement and Penalties:

Non-compliance with target shooting regulations can result in penalties. Local law enforcement and BLM officers may visit shooting locations to ensure compliance with the laws. Failure to adhere to federal, state, and local laws may lead to fines, confiscation of equipment, or other legal consequences.

Safe and Responsible Shooting Practices:

Recreational target shooters should prioritize safety and courtesy while engaging in their activity. This includes practicing proper firearm handling and storage, using appropriate safety gear, and maintaining awareness of their surroundings. Additionally, shooters should use steel targets only when an unobstructed earthen backstop is in place to prevent ricochets and accidental wildfires.

Fire safety laws for mowing lawns and clearing weeds

California has diverse regional climates, and some local government agencies have stricter standards than the State's minimum requirements. For example, in San Diego County, the first and second zones in Defensible Space are 50 feet each, while elsewhere they are 30 and 70 feet respectively. Therefore, it is important to check with your local fire department or fire protection district for defensible space or weed abatement requirements.

If your residence is within a State Responsibility Area (SRA), you must comply with California's fire and building codes. These codes are designed to reduce wildfire risks and ensure the safety of your property and firefighters.

• California mandates a 100-foot defensible space around homes in SRA zones, clearing flammable materials to slow down wildfires and provide a safe perimeter for firefighting efforts. This includes maintaining a certain distance from any chimney or stovepipe outlet.
• Within 30 feet of your home, keep the area lean, clean, and green. Regularly clear dead or dry vegetation and create space between trees. During times of drought when watering is limited, pay special attention to clearing dead or dying material.
• Within 100 feet of your home, continue to reduce potential fuel sources. Cut or mow annual grass down to a maximum height of four inches. Create horizontal and vertical space between shrubs and trees. Remove fallen leaves, needles, twigs, bark, cones, and small branches. Keep 10 feet of clearance around exposed wood piles, down to bare mineral soil.
• Mow your lawn early in the morning and on cooler days with no wind. Use string trimmers instead of lawnmowers for clearing vegetation.
• It is illegal to discharge fireworks, including "safe and sane" devices, on public lands in California year-round.
• If you are planning to burn any brush, grass-covered land, or other flammable material in an SRA, you must obtain a written permit from the appropriate department or agency.
• Always follow campfire safety guidelines, such as maintaining a five-foot circle cleared to bare soil around your campfire and having a functioning round-point shovel easily accessible.

Fire safety laws for vehicles

California has several fire safety laws in place to protect its residents and firefighters from the dangers of wildfires. These laws are designed to mitigate wildfire risks and include the following regulations for vehicles:

• Motor vehicles and internal combustion engines must not be used off established roads or trails.
• Chainsaws with functioning spark arresters can be used for personal firewood cutting until 1 pm daily.
• It is illegal to possess or discharge fireworks, including "safe and sane" devices, on public lands.
• When parking a vehicle, ensure it is away from areas where the exhaust could cause grass or other combustibles to ignite.
• If you are asked to evacuate an area due to a fire, you must do so immediately.

In addition to these vehicle-specific regulations, California also has laws in place for campfire safety, building safety, and defensible spaces around homes to help prevent the spread of wildfires.

Frequently asked questions