Backyard Fires: Mountain View vs San Jose
How do backyard fires rules compare between Mountain View, CA and San Jose, CA?
Mountain View has fewer restrictions than San Jose.
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 →San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
San Jose and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District restrict backyard fires. Recreational wood fires in portable pits are allowed on non-Spare the Air days, but open burning of yard debris is prohibited year-round in the city. Natural gas and propane fire features are exempt from Spare the Air restrictions and recommended.
View full San Jose rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Approved device | Required | - |
| Clearance | 25 feet default | - |
| Fuel | Clean seasoned wood or gas | - |
| Spare the Air | No wood burning | - |
| Supervision | Adult must attend | - |
| - | - |
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.
San Jose FAQ
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