Small recreational backyard fires are allowed in Fremont with size limits, clearance, and supervision. Spare the Air and red flag days prohibit all wood burning.
Fremont allows small recreational fires in residential backyards for cooking, warmth, or ceremonies subject to California Fire Code Section 307. The pile must be no larger than 3 feet in diameter by 2 feet tall, located at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible vegetation, supervised by a competent adult at all times, and extinguished completely before leaving. Only clean seasoned firewood or approved manufactured logs may be used - no yard waste, pressure-treated lumber, construction debris, or trash. Bay Area Air Quality Management District Spare the Air alerts prohibit all wood burning citywide on elevated-pollution days. In the east foothills VHFHSZ, backyard wood fires are further restricted on red flag warning days and may be banned entirely during peak fire season. Gas or propane fire features are the safest year-round option.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how other cities in Alameda County handle backyard fires.
See how Fremont's backyard fires rules stack up against other locations.
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