Backyard Fires: Berkeley vs Livermore
How do backyard fires rules compare between Berkeley, CA and Livermore, CA?
Livermore has fewer restrictions than Berkeley.
Berkeley, CA
Alameda County
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.
View full Berkeley rules →Livermore, CA
Alameda County
Recreational backyard fires in Livermore must be under 3 ft diameter, 15 ft from structures, attended at all times, and paused on Spare the Air days.
View full Livermore rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | Livermore |
|---|---|---|
| Wood fires | Prohibited in yards | - |
| Gas grills | 10-foot setback required | - |
| Multi-family | No flames on balconies | - |
| Red Flag | All flames discouraged | - |
| Spare the Air | Fines 100-2,000 dollars | No burning |
| Max Size | - | 3 ft diameter |
| Setback | - | 15 ft structures |
| Attendance | - | Required always |
| Fuel | - | Seasoned wood only |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Berkeley FAQ
Can I have a Solo Stove smokeless fire pit?
No. Berkeley treats any wood-burning device as prohibited regardless of emissions claims. Smokeless stoves still produce embers and violate BMC 9.24.
Is a charcoal grill OK for BBQ?
Charcoal grills are tolerated in the flats with a 10-foot setback but strongly discouraged in the hills. Always have a water source, never leave unattended, and do not use on Red Flag days.
Livermore FAQ
Can I burn on a red flag warning day?
No. LPFD may prohibit all open burning including recreational fires during red flag warnings or extreme fire weather.
Is a propane fire table treated the same as a wood pit?
No. Gas fire features are exempt from Spare the Air wood-burning bans, though setbacks still apply and they should remain attended.
Compare other topics
See how Berkeley and Livermore compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool