San Francisco Burn Bans Rules (2026): What You Need to Know
Heavy RestrictionsKey Facts
- Air Quality District
- Bay Area AQMD (BAAQMD)
- Governing Rule
- BAAQMD Regulation 6, Rule 3 — Wood-Burning Devices
- Alert Season
- November through February (alerts possible year-round)
- Prohibited Devices
- Fireplaces, wood stoves, fire pits, chimineas — all solid fuel
- Exempt Devices
- Gas fireplaces, propane fire pits, natural gas appliances
- Alert Hotline
- 1-877-4NO-BURN (466-2876)
The Short Version
San Francisco is within the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) jurisdiction, and all wood-burning activity is subject to BAAQMD Regulation 6, Rule 3. During Winter Spare the Air alerts, burning wood, manufactured logs, pellets, or any solid fuel in fireplaces, wood stoves, fire pits, chimineas, or any wood-burning device is prohibited. Spare the Air season runs from November through February, with alerts issued when particulate matter levels are forecast to be unhealthy. Gas and propane devices are exempt from all burn restrictions.
Full Breakdown
San Francisco falls under the jurisdiction of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, which regulates wood-burning emissions across the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area. BAAQMD Regulation 6, Rule 3 (Wood-Burning Devices) establishes the legal framework for mandatory no-burn periods known as Winter Spare the Air alerts. When BAAQMD forecasts that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations will reach unhealthy levels — typically during cold, stagnant weather patterns when temperature inversions trap pollutants near the ground — a Spare the Air alert is issued for the following day.
During a Spare the Air alert, it is illegal to burn wood, manufactured fire logs, pellets, or any other solid fuel in any indoor or outdoor wood-burning device. This includes fireplaces, wood stoves, fireplace inserts, pellet stoves, outdoor fire pits, chimineas, fire rings, and any other device that combusts solid fuel. The ban applies to all residential and commercial properties within the BAAQMD's jurisdiction, which covers all of San Francisco as well as the rest of the Bay Area. Gas fireplaces, propane fire pits, and natural gas appliances are fully exempt from Spare the Air restrictions and may be used at any time regardless of alert status.
BAAQMD issues Spare the Air alerts by approximately 4 PM for the following day through its website (sparetheair.org), a phone hotline at 1-877-4NO-BURN (466-2876), email and text alert subscriptions, and the Spare the Air mobile app. The alert season typically runs from November 1 through the end of February, though alerts can technically be issued at any time of year if conditions warrant. In addition to the BAAQMD restrictions, the San Francisco Fire Department may issue separate outdoor burning restrictions during Red Flag Warning conditions when high winds and low humidity create elevated wildfire risk. San Francisco's damp, foggy climate means Red Flag conditions are infrequent but not unheard of, particularly during fall dry spells.
What Happens If You Violate This?
First violation of a Spare the Air alert: $100 fine. Second violation within the same season: $500 fine. Third and subsequent violations: up to $1,000 per occurrence. BAAQMD inspectors respond to reports of visible chimney smoke during alert periods. Report violations to BAAQMD at 1-877-4NO-BURN (466-2876) or through the online complaint form at baaqmd.gov. SF Fire Department may issue separate citations for outdoor fire code violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if it is a Spare the Air day in San Francisco?
Can I use my gas fireplace during a Spare the Air alert?
What is the difference between BAAQMD and SCAQMD?
Sources & Official References
How does San Francisco compare?
See how San Francisco's burn bans rules stack up against other locations.