Backyard Fires: Mountain View vs Sunnyvale
How do backyard fires rules compare between Mountain View, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
Mountain View and Sunnyvale 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 →Sunnyvale, CA
Santa Clara County
Small recreational fires in approved fire pits or chimineas are allowed in Sunnyvale backyards using clean fuel. Open ground fires and debris burning are prohibited under the Fire Code and BAAQMD rules.
View full Sunnyvale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| Approved device | Required | - |
| Clearance | 25 feet default | 10 feet from combustibles |
| Fuel | Clean seasoned wood or gas | - |
| Spare the Air | No wood burning | - |
| Supervision | Adult must attend | - |
| Appliance required | - | Fire pit or chiminea |
| Allowed fuel | - | Clean wood, propane, gas |
| Banned fuel | - | Yard waste, trash, treated wood |
| Spare the Air days | - | Wood burning prohibited |
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.
Sunnyvale FAQ
Can I use a chiminea on my apartment balcony?
No, most multi-family buildings prohibit open-flame appliances on balconies under California Fire Code Section 308.1.4.
How do I know if today is a Spare the Air day?
Sign up for alerts at sparetheair.org or check the BAAQMD website each evening during winter months.
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