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Chapter 37 — COMBUSTIBLE FIBERS

Section 3703

California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9) · 2022 edition · updated 2026-09-10 · California

CBSC: official editions, supplements and errata

Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.

3703.1 Use of combustible receptacles. Ashes, waste,

rubbish or sweepings shall not be placed in wood or other combustible receptacles and shall be removed daily from the structure.

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3703.2 Vegetation. Grass or weeds shall not be allowed to

accumulate at any point on the premises.

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3703.3 Clearances. A minimum clearance of 3 feet (914

mm) shall be maintained between automatic sprinklers and the top of piles.

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3703.4 Agricultural products. Hay, straw, seed cotton or

similar agricultural products shall not be stored adjacent to structures or combustible materials unless a clear horizontal distance equal to the height of a pile is maintained between such storage and structures or combustible materials. Storage shall be limited to stacks of 100 tons (91 metric tons) each. Stacks shall be separated by not less than 20 feet (6096 mm) of clear space. Quantities of hay, straw, seed cotton and other agricultural products shall not be limited where stored in or

near farm structures located outside closely built areas. A permit shall not be required for agricultural storage.

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3703.5 Dust collection. Where located within a building,

equipment or machinery that generates or emits combustible fibers shall be provided with an approved dust-collecting and exhaust system. Such systems shall comply with Chapter 22 of this code and Section 511 of the California Mechanical Code .

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3703.6 Portable fire extinguishers.

Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in accordance with Section 906 as required for extra-hazard occupancy protection as indicated in Table 906.1.

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3703.7 Sources of ignition. Sources of ignition shall comply

with Sections 3703.7.1 and 3703.7.2.

3703.7.1 Smoking. Smoking shall be prohibited and “No Smoking” signs provided as follows:

  1. In rooms or areas where materials are stored or dispensed or used in open systems.

  2. Within 25 feet (7620 mm) of outdoor storage or open use areas.

  3. Facilities or areas within facilities that have been designated as totally “no smoking” shall have “No Smoking” signs placed at all entrances to the facility or area. Designated areas within such facilities where smoking is permitted either permanently or temporarily shall be identified with signs designating that smoking is permitted in these areas only.

Signs required by this section shall be in English as a primary language or in symbols allowed by this code and shall comply with Section 310.

3703.7.2 Open flames. Open flames and high-temperature devices shall not be used in a manner that creates a hazardous condition. High-temperature devices and those devices utilizing an open flame shall be listed for use with the materials stored or used.

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