Oakland, CA Fire Regulations: Backyard Fires (2026)

Oakland does not prohibit all backyard fires, but it tightly restricts them due to urban density and the adjacent Oakland Hills Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Permissible backyard fires are limited to recreational cooking and warming fires contained in manufactured devices — fire pits with spark arresters, chimineas, patio fireplaces, or barbecues. Fuel must be clean, dry, seasoned firewood, charcoal, or manufactured cooking fuel. Burning yard debris, leaves, lumber, pallets, pressure-treated wood, painted wood, or household trash is prohibited under BAAQMD Regulation 5 and constitutes open burning regardless of the container used. Fires must be located at least 25 feet from any structure, fence, overhanging vegetation, and property line, and placed on a non-combustible surface. An adult must attend the fire at all times with a garden hose or fire extinguisher immediately available, and the fire must be fully extinguished — cold to the touch — before leaving. Spare the Air alerts issued by BAAQMD prohibit wood burning on the affected day; these are common in fall and winter. During Red Flag Warnings (NWS) and OFD-declared fire weather periods, all outdoor burning — including fire pits — is prohibited anywhere in the City, and in the Hills VHFHSZ OFD may impose additional seasonal restrictions. Natural gas or propane fire pits are generally permitted with fewer restrictions because they do not produce embers and are not subject to wood-burning bans. Violations carry administrative fines, and an escaped fire triggers cost recovery under PRC §13009.