Fire Regulations in Hayward, CA (2026)
7 verified fire regulations for Hayward, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pit Rules
Hayward allows propane and natural gas fire pits; wood-burning outdoor fire pits are heavily restricted under BAAQMD Spare the Air rules and fire code.
Hayward Fire Pit Rules
Some RestrictionsFireworks
All fireworks, including Safe and Sane, are illegal in Hayward. Possession or use carries fines starting at 1,000 dollars under city ordinance.
Hayward Fireworks Ban
Heavy RestrictionsBrush Clearance
Properties in the Hayward hills Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone must maintain 100 feet of defensible space under California Public Resources Code 4291.
Hayward Brush Clearance and Defensible Space
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Public Resources Code Section 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
Open burning of yard waste, trash, or debris is prohibited in Hayward under BAAQMD Regulation 5 and city fire code.
Hayward Outdoor Burning Ban
Heavy RestrictionsWildfire Zones
Hayward's eastern foothills are mapped as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone by CAL FIRE, triggering defensible space and building code requirements.
Hayward Wildfire Hazard Zones
Heavy RestrictionsCAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zones (PRC 4201-4204; Gov. Code 51175-89)
What are Fire Hazard Severity Zones? The State Fire Marshal is mandated to classify lands within State Responsibility Areas into Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ). Fire Hazard Severity Zones fall into one of the following classifications: Moderate High Very High The California laws that require Fire Hazard Severity Zones include California Public Resources Code 4201-4204, California Code of Reg...
Smoke Detectors
Hayward requires working smoke alarms in every bedroom, hallway, and level per California Building Code and Health and Safety Code 13113.7.
Hayward Smoke Detector Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Health and Safety Code Section 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
Small recreational fires are allowed in approved containers under 3 feet wide with 25-foot clearance, except on Spare the Air days.
Hayward Backyard Recreational Fires
Some RestrictionsLooking for Alameda County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Hayward city rules.
Fire Regulations in Alameda County →