Fire Pit Rules: Redwood City vs San Mateo
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Redwood City, CA and San Mateo, CA?
Redwood City and San Mateo have similar restriction levels.
Redwood City, CA
San Mateo County
Outdoor fire pits using wood or solid fuel are subject to BAAQMD Spare the Air restrictions and are banned on alert days. Redwood City's fire risk and BAAQMD jurisdiction effectively prohibit most recreational wood burning.
View full Redwood City rules →San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
Outdoor wood-burning fire pits are banned on Spare the Air Alert days throughout San Mateo under BAAQMD Regulation 6, Rule 3. With 19–41 annual alert days expected, backyard wood burning is severely restricted.
View full San Mateo rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Redwood City | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| Wood-Burning Fire Pits | Banned on Spare the Air Alert days | Banned on Spare the Air Alert days |
| Annual Alert Days | Estimated 19–41 per year | Estimated 19–41 per year (2025 update) |
| Gas Fire Features | Check with Fire Marshal | - |
| Authority | BAAQMD Reg. 6 Rule 3 | BAAQMD Reg. 6 Rule 3 |
| Gas Features | - | Check with Fire Department |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Redwood City FAQ
Are fire pits allowed in residential areas in Redwood City?
Outdoor fire pits using wood or solid fuel are subject to BAAQMD Spare the Air restrictions and are banned on alert days. Redwood City's fire risk and BAAQMD jurisdiction effectively prohibit most recreational wood burning.
What are the fire pit setback requirements in Redwood City?
Wood-Burning Fire Pits: Banned on Spare the Air Alert days. Annual Alert Days: Estimated 19–41 per year. Gas Fire Features: Check with Fire Marshal. Authority: BAAQMD Reg. 6 Rule 3.
San Mateo FAQ
Are fire pits allowed in residential areas in San Mateo?
Outdoor wood-burning fire pits are banned on Spare the Air Alert days throughout San Mateo under BAAQMD Regulation 6, Rule 3. With 19–41 annual alert days expected, backyard wood burning is severely restricted.
What are the fire pit setback requirements in San Mateo?
Wood-Burning Fire Pits: Banned on Spare the Air Alert days. Annual Alert Days: Estimated 19–41 per year (2025 update). Gas Features: Check with Fire Department. Authority: BAAQMD Reg. 6 Rule 3.
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