Backyard Fires: Daly City vs South San Francisco
How do backyard fires rules compare between Daly City, CA and South San Francisco, CA?
Daly City and South San Francisco have similar restriction levels.
Daly City, CA
San Mateo County
Backyard fires in chimineas, fire bowls, and portable fireplaces are allowed in Daly City under the adopted California Fire Code, but only burning clean fuels -- never rubbish or yard waste -- and never during a Bay Area Spare the Air Alert, when all wood burning is illegal indoors and outdoors.
View full Daly City rules →South San Francisco, CA
San Mateo County
Small recreational backyard fires are allowed in unincorporated San Mateo County under California Fire Code section 307.4 with required setbacks and constant attendance, but all backyard burning of yard waste or trash is prohibited and wood fires are banned on Spare the Air days under BAAQMD Regulation 6, Rule 3.
View full South San Francisco rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Daly City | South San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Allowed devices | Chimineas, fire bowls, portable fireplaces, BBQ grills | - |
| Allowed fuels | Clean dry wood, charcoal, propane, natural gas | - |
| Banned fuels | Garbage, plastics, yard waste, treated wood | - |
| Spare the Air Alerts | All wood fires illegal, $100+ tickets | - |
| Clearance | 25 ft open fires; 15 ft portable fireplaces | - |
| Recreational fires | - | Allowed with setbacks (CFC section 307.4) |
| Setback from structures | - | 25 ft (15 ft for portable fireplace) |
| Attendance | - | Must be constantly attended until out |
| Yard-waste / trash burning | - | Prohibited throughout the county |
| Spare the Air days | - | No outdoor wood burning (BAAQMD Reg 6-3) |
| High fire danger | - | Fire official may ban all recreational fires |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Daly City FAQ
Can I use a chiminea or portable fire bowl in Daly City?
Yes. Manufactured portable outdoor fireplaces are allowed under the adopted 2022 California Fire Code when used per manufacturer instructions, at least 15 feet from structures, burning only clean dry wood or gas, attended at all times -- except during Spare the Air Alerts, when all wood burning is banned.
Can I cook over a wood or charcoal fire during a Spare the Air Alert?
Barbecuing food on a grill is allowed, but using wood-burning devices like fire pits for warmth or ambiance is illegal during an alert. BAAQMD's ban covers fireplaces, wood stoves, pellet stoves, and outdoor fire pits, indoors and outdoors.
Can I burn yard trimmings in my backyard fire?
No. Burning yard waste, garbage, plastics, or other rubbish is illegal under BAAQMD rules region-wide. A lawful backyard recreational fire may burn only clean fuels such as seasoned firewood or charcoal.
South San Francisco FAQ
Can I have a small backyard campfire or fire pit?
Yes, a recreational fire is allowed under California Fire Code section 307.4 if kept at least 25 feet from structures, constantly attended, and not lit during a fire-danger prohibition. But you cannot burn wood on a Bay Area Spare the Air Alert day.
Is burning yard waste in the backyard allowed?
No. The county fire department states all backyard burning is prohibited throughout San Mateo County. Burning garbage and trash is also banned at all times under BAAQMD rules. Use green-waste collection instead.
Are gas fire pits allowed when wood fires are banned?
Yes. The BAAQMD wood-burning ban applies only to wood and other solid fuels. Natural-gas and propane fire features are not affected by Spare the Air Alerts.
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