Outdoor Burning: Oakland vs San Leandro
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Oakland, CA and San Leandro, CA?
Oakland and San Leandro have similar restriction levels.
Oakland, CA
Alameda County
Open burning of vegetation, yard waste, and debris is prohibited in Oakland year-round under Bay Area Air Quality Management District Regulation 5 and Oakland Fire Code. The Oakland Hills VHFHSZ makes any ignition source especially dangerous. Only small contained recreational fires in approved devices are allowed, and even these are banned on Spare the Air days and during Red Flag Warnings.
View full Oakland rules →San Leandro, CA
Alameda County
Open outdoor burning is banned in San Leandro under BAAQMD Regulation 5 and city fire code. Only approved recreational fires in contained pits are allowed.
View full San Leandro rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Oakland | San Leandro |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Open Burning | - | Banned |
| Authority | - | BAAQMD Reg 5 |
| Spare Air | - | No wood fires |
| Fine | - | 500+ dollars |
| Rec Fires | - | Contained pits OK |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Oakland FAQ
Can I burn yard waste from tree trimming?
No. All open burning of yard waste is prohibited in Oakland under BAAQMD Regulation 5. Use Oakland's green organics curbside service or take material to a compost facility.
Is a backyard chiminea legal?
Yes for clean firewood or charcoal only, when no Spare the Air or Red Flag Warning is in effect, and placed at least 25 feet from structures and vegetation. Do not burn yard waste or trash in it.
San Leandro FAQ
Can I burn leaves or yard waste in San Leandro?
No. BAAQMD bans all open burning of yard waste. Use green waste bins via Alameda County Industries.
Who enforces this in San Leandro?
San Leandro code enforcement at (510) 577-3394 handles most complaints. Alameda County agencies handle regional issues.
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