Fire Regulations in Berkeley, CA (2026)
8 verified fire regulations for Berkeley, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pit Rules
Berkeley bans virtually all open flame and wood-burning fire pits outdoors due to BAAQMD Regulation 6 and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) restrictions. Only fully enclosed gas appliances are tolerated.
Berkeley Fire Pit Rules
Heavy RestrictionsFireworks
All fireworks - including Safe and Sane - are strictly illegal in Berkeley. Possession or discharge is a misdemeanor and the Fire Department aggressively enforces during July 4 and New Year periods.
Berkeley Fireworks Ban
Heavy RestrictionsBrush Clearance
Properties in the Berkeley Hills VHFHSZ must maintain 100 feet of defensible space per PRC 4291. Berkeley Fire runs annual inspections and non-compliance triggers abatement at owner cost.
Berkeley Brush Clearance 100-Foot Defensible Space
Heavy RestrictionsCal. Public Resources Code § 4291
(a) A person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a building or structure in the state responsibility area shall at all times do all of the following: (1) (A) Maintain defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, but not beyond the property line, except as provided in subparagraph (B). The amount of fuel modification necessary shall con...
Outdoor Burning
Berkeley bans all outdoor burning of vegetation, yard waste, and debris. BAAQMD and BMC 9.24 prohibit open burning citywide; no burn permits are issued for residential properties.
Berkeley Outdoor Burning Prohibition
Heavy RestrictionsWildfire Zones
The Berkeley Hills are designated Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone by CAL FIRE. Enhanced defensible space, WUI building codes, and ember-resistant construction are mandatory.
Berkeley Wildfire Zone Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsSmoke Detectors
Berkeley requires working smoke alarms in every bedroom, hallway, and story, plus CO alarms near sleeping areas. Required at sale, rental turnover, and with any permit.
Berkeley Smoke and CO Detector Rules
Heavy RestrictionsCal. Health & Safety Code § 13113.7
(a) (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, smoke alarms, approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Section 13114 at the time of installation, shall be installed, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions in each dwelling intended for human occupancy. (2) For all dwelling units intended for human occupancy for which a building permit is issued on or after Janu...
Backyard Fires
Open recreational fires are prohibited in Berkeley backyards. Only enclosed gas grills and UL-listed gas patio heaters are allowed, with strict setbacks and Red Flag shutoffs.
Berkeley Backyard Fire Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsPropane Storage
Berkeley enforces California Fire Code propane storage limits, restricting residential cylinder size and quantity, requiring outdoor storage for larger tanks, and barring storage on multifamily balconies under city amendments.
Berkeley Propane Cylinder Storage Limits Citywide
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Alameda County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Berkeley city rules.
Fire Regulations in Alameda County →