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

San Francisco adopts the California Fire Code with local amendments, and Section 307 governs recreational fires, portable outdoor fireplaces, and open burning within the city. All uncontained open burning — including burning of yard debris, leaves, wood scraps, trash, or any material on bare ground or in an unapproved container — is strictly prohibited within city limits. Only contained recreational fires in approved fire pits, metal fire rings, chimineas, or portable outdoor fireplaces are permitted on private residential property.

For permitted recreational fires, the SF Fire Code requires a minimum clearance of 15 feet from any structure, including the primary residence, accessory buildings, fences, and neighboring structures. The fire pit or container must have a spark arrestor screen in place during use. The fuel area must not exceed 3 feet in diameter, and the fire height must not exceed 2 feet above the container rim. A responsible adult must attend the fire at all times, and a connected garden hose or other approved extinguishing equipment must be immediately available. The fire must be completely extinguished before being left unattended.

San Francisco is within the jurisdiction of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), and all wood-burning devices — including outdoor fire pits, fire rings, and chimineas — are subject to BAAQMD Winter Spare the Air alerts during which wood burning is prohibited. Gas and propane fire pits are exempt from these restrictions and may be used at any time. Given San Francisco's fog, wind, and compact lot sizes, the SFFD recommends gas or propane fire pits over wood-burning devices for residential use. The SFFD may impose additional outdoor fire restrictions during periods of elevated fire danger, particularly during dry offshore wind events.