Backyard Fires: San Mateo vs South San Francisco
How do backyard fires rules compare between San Mateo, CA and South San Francisco, CA?
San Mateo and South San Francisco have similar restriction levels.
San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
Small recreational backyard fires are allowed in unincorporated San Mateo County under California Fire Code section 307.4 with required setbacks and constant attendance, but all backyard burning of yard waste or trash is prohibited and wood fires are banned on Spare the Air days under BAAQMD Regulation 6, Rule 3.
View full San Mateo rules →South San Francisco, CA
San Mateo County
Small recreational backyard fires are allowed in unincorporated San Mateo County under California Fire Code section 307.4 with required setbacks and constant attendance, but all backyard burning of yard waste or trash is prohibited and wood fires are banned on Spare the Air days under BAAQMD Regulation 6, Rule 3.
View full South San Francisco rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Mateo | South San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Recreational fires | Allowed with setbacks (CFC section 307.4) | Allowed with setbacks (CFC section 307.4) |
| Setback from structures | 25 ft (15 ft for portable fireplace) | 25 ft (15 ft for portable fireplace) |
| Attendance | Must be constantly attended until out | Must be constantly attended until out |
| Yard-waste / trash burning | Prohibited throughout the county | Prohibited throughout the county |
| Spare the Air days | No outdoor wood burning (BAAQMD Reg 6-3) | No outdoor wood burning (BAAQMD Reg 6-3) |
| High fire danger | Fire official may ban all recreational fires | Fire official may ban all recreational fires |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Mateo FAQ
Can I have a small backyard campfire or fire pit?
Yes, a recreational fire is allowed under California Fire Code section 307.4 if kept at least 25 feet from structures, constantly attended, and not lit during a fire-danger prohibition. But you cannot burn wood on a Bay Area Spare the Air Alert day.
Is burning yard waste in the backyard allowed?
No. The county fire department states all backyard burning is prohibited throughout San Mateo County. Burning garbage and trash is also banned at all times under BAAQMD rules. Use green-waste collection instead.
Are gas fire pits allowed when wood fires are banned?
Yes. The BAAQMD wood-burning ban applies only to wood and other solid fuels. Natural-gas and propane fire features are not affected by Spare the Air Alerts.
South San Francisco FAQ
Can I have a small backyard campfire or fire pit?
Yes, a recreational fire is allowed under California Fire Code section 307.4 if kept at least 25 feet from structures, constantly attended, and not lit during a fire-danger prohibition. But you cannot burn wood on a Bay Area Spare the Air Alert day.
Is burning yard waste in the backyard allowed?
No. The county fire department states all backyard burning is prohibited throughout San Mateo County. Burning garbage and trash is also banned at all times under BAAQMD rules. Use green-waste collection instead.
Are gas fire pits allowed when wood fires are banned?
Yes. The BAAQMD wood-burning ban applies only to wood and other solid fuels. Natural-gas and propane fire features are not affected by Spare the Air Alerts.
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