Backyard Fires: Mountain View vs Palo Alto
How do backyard fires rules compare between Mountain View, CA and Palo Alto, CA?
Mountain View and Palo Alto have similar restriction levels.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Small recreational backyard fires are permitted in approved devices with clean fuel. Wood fires are banned on BAAQMD Spare the Air alert days across the Bay Area.
View full Mountain View rules →Palo Alto, CA
Santa Clara County
Backyard recreational fires are permitted in approved pits or appliances with 25-foot clearance, but are banned on Spare-the-Air days and may be suspended entirely during red-flag conditions in the foothills.
View full Palo Alto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Palo Alto |
|---|---|---|
| Approved device | Required | - |
| Clearance | 25 feet default | 25 feet from structures |
| Fuel | Clean seasoned wood or gas | - |
| Spare the Air | No wood burning | - |
| Supervision | Adult must attend | - |
| Fuel size limit | - | 3 ft wide, 2 ft tall |
| Attendance | - | Adult required |
| Spare-the-Air | - | No wood burning |
| Gas appliances | - | Exempt from wood bans |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Can I have an open campfire in my yard?
No. Mountain View backyard fires must be contained in an approved device; open ground campfires are not permitted within city limits.
What is a Spare the Air day?
It is a BAAQMD-declared 24-hour period when forecast particulate pollution is high and all wood burning is banned across the nine-county Bay Area.
Palo Alto FAQ
Can I have a bonfire in my yard?
No. Large open bonfires are not allowed. Only contained recreational fires under the size limits are permitted.
What counts as an approved fire pit?
Commercial metal or masonry pits with spark arresters, portable UL-listed outdoor fireplaces, or permanent gas-fueled pits meet the standard.
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