Residential fire pits must use gas or manufactured logs per BAAQMD. No wood fires. 25-ft setback from structures required. No use on Spare the Air days. WUI proximity makes compliance important.
The BAAQMD Wood Burning Rule prohibits burning wood, fire logs, pellets, or other solid fuels in fireplaces, wood stoves, outdoor fire pits, or other wood-burning devices on Spare the Air days. The rule was expanded in 2019 to cover any day year-round when a Spare the Air Alert is in effect. Gas fire pits are generally exempt. Fire pits must comply with CCCFPD setback and safety requirements.
Illegal burning: $100 to $1,000. Causing fire: criminal charges possible. CA PRC §4423: up to $1,000 + 6 months.
See how other cities in Contra Costa County handle fire pit rules.
See how Walnut Creek's fire pit rules rules stack up against other locations.
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