Hayward Fire Pit Rules Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

The City of Hayward adopts the California Fire Code (CFC) with local amendments through Hayward Municipal Code Chapter 6 (Fire Prevention). The CFC, combined with Hayward Fire Department administrative policies, establishes the rules for outdoor recreational fires including backyard fire pits, chimineas, and outdoor fireplaces.

A recreational fire is defined as an outdoor fire burning materials other than rubbish where the fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, portable outdoor fireplace, or barbecue grill and has a total fuel area of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height. Fires exceeding these dimensions require a permit from the Hayward Fire Department.

Fire Pit Setback Requirements: All fire pits, whether portable or permanently installed, must be positioned at least 15 feet from any structure (including the operator's own home), wooden fence, deck, pergola, property line, overhanging branches, or other combustible material. Permanently installed fire pits or outdoor fireplaces may require a building permit from the Development Services Department depending on their construction type and connection to gas lines.

Fuel Restrictions: Only clean, dry, seasoned firewood, manufactured fire logs (such as Duraflame), or charcoal (in appropriate grills) may be burned. Burning trash, cardboard, painted or treated lumber, yard waste, leaves, construction debris, or any material that produces excessive smoke or toxic fumes is prohibited under both the CFC and BAAQMD regulations. Propane and natural gas fire pits are permitted and are generally exempt from Spare the Air restrictions.

Supervision: An adult (18 years or older) must be present and supervising any outdoor fire at all times. A garden hose connected to a water supply, a fire extinguisher (minimum 4A:60BC rating), or a bucket of sand or dirt must be within immediate reach of the fire. The fire must be completely extinguished before the supervising adult leaves the area.

Wind Conditions: Outdoor fires should not be lit or maintained during periods of high wind (sustained winds above 15 mph or gusts above 25 mph) as determined by the operator's judgment or by a Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service.

Hayward's location along the East Bay hills means that properties in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone — particularly in the Hayward Hills, Fairview, and upper Mission Boulevard areas — may be subject to additional restrictions on outdoor fires during elevated fire danger periods.