Fire Pit Rules: Berkeley vs Oakland
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Berkeley, CA and Oakland, CA?
Oakland has fewer restrictions than Berkeley.
Berkeley, CA
Alameda County
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.
View full Berkeley rules →Oakland, CA
Alameda County
Recreational fire pits generally allowed on residential property outside VHFHSZ zones. Must be in manufactured non-combustible container, max 3 ft diameter, 10 ft from structures. Prohibited on Spare the Air and Red Flag days.
View full Oakland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Wood fire pits | Prohibited citywide | - |
| Gas pits allowed | Enclosed UL-listed only | - |
| VHFHSZ | Berkeley Hills - all open flame banned | - |
| Red Flag days | No outdoor flame permitted | - |
| Contact | BFD (510) 981-2489 | - |
| Allowed | - | Manufactured fire pits outside VHFHSZ |
| Max Size | - | 3 ft diameter, 2 ft height |
| Setback | - | 10 ft from structures |
| Banned | - | Spare the Air and Red Flag days |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Berkeley FAQ
Can I have a backyard fire pit in the Berkeley Hills?
No. The Berkeley Hills are a CAL FIRE VHFHSZ and the Fire Department prohibits open-flame fire pits and chimineas. Only enclosed gas appliances are tolerated, and they must be shut off during Red Flag Warnings.
Are propane fire tables legal in the flats?
Yes, provided the unit is UL-listed, fully enclosed, kept at least 10 feet from any structure or vegetation, and not operated during Spare the Air alerts from BAAQMD.
Oakland FAQ
Are fire pits allowed in residential areas in Oakland?
Recreational fire pits generally allowed on residential property outside VHFHSZ zones. Must be in manufactured non-combustible container, max 3 ft diameter, 10 ft from structures. Prohibited on Spare the Air and Red Flag days.
What are the fire pit setback requirements in Oakland?
Allowed: Manufactured fire pits outside VHFHSZ. Max Size: 3 ft diameter, 2 ft height. Setback: 10 ft from structures. Banned: Spare the Air and Red Flag days.
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