Recreational fires in Alameda County are regulated by BAAQMD Regulation 6 Rule 3 (wood-burning) and fire code Section 307. Fire pits must use clean seasoned wood or natural gas/propane, be 25 feet from structures, and are prohibited during Spare the Air alerts.
Backyard fire pits, chimineas, and outdoor fireplaces in Alameda County must comply with BAAQMD Regulation 6 Rule 3, which prohibits wood burning on Spare the Air alert days (November 1 through February 28) and bans the sale of wet or unseasoned wood. California Fire Code Section 307.4.2 requires recreational fires to be under 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height, and located at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material (15 feet for contained devices). Fires must be attended at all times with extinguishing means readily available. In Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) covering the eastern Alameda hills, additional restrictions or bans may apply during red flag warnings. Natural gas and propane fire features are generally exempt from Spare the Air restrictions and have reduced setbacks (typically 15 feet).
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how Alameda County's backyard fires rules stack up against other locations.
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