Livermore Burn Bans Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Livermore's burn ban framework operates at three overlapping regulatory levels: local fire code, regional air quality regulation, and state fire safety designations.

Local Fire Code (Year-Round): Open burning of any kind — including yard waste, leaves, brush, construction debris, trash, and agricultural waste — is prohibited year-round within Livermore city limits under the city's fire prevention code (Title 15 of the Municipal Code) and the California Fire Code as adopted by the city. No residential or commercial burn permits are available for open burning within the city. The only authorized outdoor fires are recreational fire pits and outdoor fireplaces that comply with the specific requirements (approved device, clean dry firewood, attended at all times, 15-foot setback from structures).

BAAQMD Spare the Air (Winter Season): Livermore is within the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) jurisdiction. Under BAAQMD Regulation 6, Rule 3 (Wood-Burning Devices), burning wood, manufactured fire logs, pellets, or any solid fuel in indoor fireplaces, outdoor fire pits, uncertified wood stoves, or any wood-burning device is prohibited on designated Winter Spare the Air days. These days are declared by BAAQMD from November through February when air quality is forecast to reach unhealthy levels in the Bay Area. During the 2023-2024 winter season, BAAQMD called approximately 20 Spare the Air days across the Bay Area.

The Livermore Valley's geography — a relatively enclosed inland valley surrounded by hills — can trap particulate matter and create poor air quality conditions, making Spare the Air enforcement particularly relevant for Tri-Valley residents.

Gas and propane fire pits and fireplaces are exempt from Spare the Air wood-burning restrictions. EPA-certified wood stoves and fireplace inserts are exempt from the Spare the Air burn ban on most Spare the Air days, but not on mandatory curtailment days when all solid-fuel burning is prohibited.

To check whether a Spare the Air day is in effect, residents can visit www.baaqmd.gov, call the Spare the Air hotline at 1-877-4NO-BURN (1-877-466-2876), or sign up for email and text alerts.

Fire Department Restrictions (Seasonal and Emergency): The Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department may impose additional burn restrictions during Red Flag Warning conditions issued by the National Weather Service, during extreme fire danger periods (typically summer and fall), and when the Alameda County Fire Chief declares elevated fire conditions. During these periods, all outdoor burning — including recreational fire pits that would otherwise be permitted — may be prohibited regardless of the device type or fuel source.

Livermore includes areas adjacent to the eastern hills that are within or near the State Responsibility Area (SRA) and may be designated as Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Properties in these areas are subject to enhanced vegetation management requirements and may face stricter fire restrictions during fire season.

Wildland-Urban Interface: The eastern portions of Livermore, particularly along the Altamont Hills, the areas near the Las Positas Golf Course, and the Springtown area, are in proximity to wildland fuels. The LPFD conducts vegetation management inspections and enforces defensible space requirements in these areas. During high fire danger conditions, the fire department conducts additional patrols and may restrict all outdoor burning activities.

Contact the LPFD at (925) 454-2361 for fire restriction information. BAAQMD enforcement inquiries can be directed to (415) 749-4900.