San Leandro Backyard Fire Regulations Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

The City of San Leandro, located in western Alameda County along the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay, is a residential community of approximately 91,000 people. Fire protection services are provided by the Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD), which serves San Leandro under a contract arrangement and enforces the California Fire Code as locally adopted.

Open burning of vegetation, yard waste, construction debris, trash, or any other material is prohibited year-round within San Leandro city limits. No residential burn permits are issued for open burning. All green waste must be disposed of through the city's curbside green waste collection program operated by Alameda County Industries (ACI) or taken to an approved Alameda County waste facility.

Recreational fires — small fires for warmth, cooking, or ambiance in portable fire pits, chimineas, or permanently installed outdoor fireplaces — are permitted in residential yards under the following conditions: the fire must be contained in an approved device with a spark arrestor screen; the fire must not exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height; the device must be located at least 15 feet from any structure, fence, property line, or combustible material; the fire must be attended at all times by a responsible adult with a means of extinguishment (garden hose or fire extinguisher) readily available; and only clean, dry firewood, manufactured fire logs, or charcoal may be burned — no treated lumber, painted wood, trash, or yard waste.

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) declares Winter Spare the Air alerts during periods when air quality forecasts predict unhealthy particulate matter levels. On declared Spare the Air days, all wood-burning — including recreational fire pits, indoor fireplaces, and uncertified wood stoves — is prohibited throughout the nine-county Bay Area, including all of San Leandro. Gas and propane fire pits, fire tables, and fireplace inserts are exempt from the wood-burning restriction but must still meet ACFD clearance and safety requirements.

Charcoal and gas barbecue grills used exclusively for cooking are generally exempt from the recreational fire restrictions but must be operated safely, kept clear of combustible materials, and attended at all times. On balconies and patios of multi-family buildings (apartments, condominiums, townhomes), only electric or gas grills are permitted — charcoal grills and open-flame devices are prohibited on balconies of multi-family structures under the California Fire Code as adopted by San Leandro.

San Leandro residents can check current Spare the Air status at baaqmd.gov or by calling 1-800-HELP-AIR. Fire safety complaints and concerns should be directed to the Alameda County Fire Department at (510) 632-3473.