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HomeHealth and Safety CodeDiv. 12Pt. 2.7Ch. 5§ 13871 Fire Hazard Enforcement Penalties

§ 13871 Fire Hazard Enforcement Penalties

Health and Safety Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 13871 Fire Hazard Enforcement Penalties

Key Takeaways

  • •If you get a ticket for breaking fire safety rules, it can be handled like other minor crimes.
  • •If you ignore a written order to fix a fire or safety hazard, you can be charged with a crime.
  • •Pretending to be a fire district worker or board member is against the law.
  • •Breaking these rules can lead to fines or jail time.

Example

Your backyard has dry bushes and old wood piles that could easily catch fire. The fire department tells you in writing to clean it up, but you don’t.

If you ignore their order, you can be charged with a crime because you didn’t fix a fire hazard.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 13871 Fire Hazard Enforcement Penalties

(a)  Any citation issued by a district for violation of a fire prevention code or a district ordinance may be processed pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 17 of the Penal Code. (b)  Every person who fails or refuses to correct or eliminate a fire or life hazard after written order of a district board or its authorized representative is guilty of a misdemeanor. (c)  Every person who falsely personates a member of a district board or an officer or employee of a district is guilty of a misdemeanor. (d)  Every misdemeanor is punishable pursuant to Section 19 of the Penal Code. (Repealed and added by Stats. 1987, Ch. 1013, Sec. 11.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

ordinancefireemployeehazardoffensefinesafetymisdemeanor

Related Statutes

  • § 13872 Fire Chief Citation Authority
  • § 13869.7 Local Fire Safety Standards
  • § 13872.5 Fire Chief Hazard Orders
  • § 17964 Local Building Code Enforcement
  • § 17980.12 Adu Enforcement Delay Rights

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Health and Safety Code. Section 13871.
View Official Source