Fire pit rules in Daly City, CA — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Wood-burning fire pits are allowed in Daly City only as code-compliant recreational fires: 3 feet across or less, at least 25 feet from structures, and constantly attended. Using any wood-burning device, including outdoor fire pits, is illegal during a Spare the Air Alert.
Daly City Municipal Code section 15.32.010 adopts the 2022 California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9) in full, so CFC section 307 governs fire pits citywide. A recreational fire is limited to a total fuel area of 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height, must be kept at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material (CFC 307.4.2), and portable outdoor fireplaces must follow manufacturer instructions and stay at least 15 feet from structures. CFC section 307.5 requires that a knowledgeable person constantly attend the fire with extinguishing equipment such as a garden hose, bucket, or fire extinguisher available until it is fully out. On top of the fire code, BAAQMD Regulation 6, Rule 3 makes it illegal to burn wood, manufactured fire logs, or any solid fuel in any wood-burning device -- expressly including outdoor fire pits -- whenever a Spare the Air Alert is in effect, which can be called year-round. Gas and propane fire pits are not wood-burning devices and may be used during alerts.
Fire code violations are misdemeanors under DCMC section 15.32.190, punishable per Municipal Code section 1.12.010, and the fire chief or fire marshal may issue citations directly under section 15.32.200. First-time Spare the Air violators may take a wood smoke awareness course or pay a $100 ticket; a second violation brings a $500 ticket, with amounts increasing after that.
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