California · Public Resources Code - PRC

PRC §4165: Every person is guilty of a misdemeanor who, at a forest fire, does any of the following: (a) Disobeys the lawful orders of a public officer or firefighter.

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

It is a misdemeanor to disobey lawful orders of public officers or firefighters at forest fires, interfere with firefighting efforts, engage in disorderly conduct, prevent others from helping extinguish fires, or damage firefighting equipment or hoses.

Read the full statutory text

Every person is guilty of a misdemeanor who, at a forest fire, does any of the following: (a) Disobeys the lawful orders of a public officer or firefighter. (b) Offers resistance to, or interference with, the lawful efforts of a firefighter or company of firefighters to extinguish the fire. (c) Engages in any disorderly conduct which is calculated to prevent the fire from being extinguished. (d) Forbids, prevents, or dissuades others from assisting to extinguish the fire. (e) Rides, drives, or propels any vehicle or conveyance upon, over, or across any firehose or chemical hose that is used by, or in charge of, a public officer or firefighter or injures or damages in any manner any hose or apparatus of any kind that is in use by, or in charge of, a public officer or firefighter.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

Facing this? Know exactly what happens next.

MOFRD turns this code section into your situation: the deadlines that apply to you, the forms your county uses, and the resolution paths people in your position actually take. Free for 3 days — no card required.

Start your matter free Ask Law Link about this code

This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.