Backyard recreational fires are permitted in approved pits or appliances with 25-foot clearance, but are banned on Spare-the-Air days and may be suspended entirely during red-flag conditions in the foothills.
Backyard fires in Palo Alto are regulated under Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 15.04 (California Fire Code) and BAAQMD Regulation 6 Rule 3. Permitted backyard fires must use an approved pit, chiminea, or UL-listed portable fireplace burning only clean seasoned wood, charcoal, or gas. The fire must be at least 25 feet from any structure, fence, overhead wires, or combustible vegetation, attended by a responsible adult, and extinguished before leaving. Fuel loads are limited to 3 feet diameter by 2 feet tall. On BAAQMD Spare-the-Air alert days, all solid-fuel burning is banned. During elevated fire danger, Palo Alto Fire can issue local burn bans. Gas fire pits with a permanent fuel line are considered appliances and face fewer restrictions.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how other cities in Santa Clara County handle backyard fires.
See how Palo Alto's backyard fires rules stack up against other locations.
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