Outdoor Burning: Fremont vs Hayward
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Fremont, CA and Hayward, CA?
Fremont and Hayward have similar restriction levels.
Fremont, CA
Alameda County
Open burning of yard waste is banned in Fremont. Only small recreational fires are allowed. BAAQMD Spare the Air alerts override all wood-burning permissions citywide.
View full Fremont rules →Hayward, CA
Alameda County
Open burning of yard waste, trash, or debris is prohibited in Hayward under BAAQMD Regulation 5 and city fire code.
View full Hayward rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fremont | Hayward |
|---|---|---|
| Yard Waste Burning | Banned (use green cart) | - |
| Recreational Fires | Allowed, 3 ft max | - |
| Spare the Air | No wood burning | - |
| First Offense Fine | 100 dollars (BAAQMD) | - |
| Gas or Propane | Exempt from alerts | - |
| Open burn permits | - | Not issued |
| Yard waste | - | Curbside green bin |
| Burn barrels | - | Banned |
| Recreational fires | - | Under 3 ft, clean wood |
| Max fine | - | 10,000 dollars per day |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fremont FAQ
How do I know if today is a Spare the Air day?
Check BAAQMD.gov, sign up for AirAlerts text notifications, or call 1-877-4NO-BURN. Alerts are issued the evening before and cover all nine Bay Area counties including Alameda.
Can I burn in a chiminea on a Spare the Air day?
No. Wood-burning chimineas, fire pits, pizza ovens, and fireplaces are all covered by the BAAQMD winter woodsmoke rule. Switch to gas or propane to stay legal year-round.
Hayward FAQ
Can I burn leaves in my backyard?
No. Use the green waste cart or take material to Davis Street Transfer Station.
Who enforces the burn ban?
Hayward Fire Department and BAAQMD both have authority to cite violators.
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