Be a Fire Smart Park Visitor

(Updated August 8, 2024)

Get to know park fire rules, regulations, and warnings.

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You’ve probably seen the fire-danger signs in and around East Bay Regional Parks. As the weather becomes hotter, drier, and windier, all visitors must stay ready for advisories and restrictions due to increased fire risk. Always abide by all posted or announced fire safety rules.

If you see smoke in open parklands, call 9-1-1. For up-to-date info on fire danger and rules, visit www.ebparks.org/public-safety/fire/fire-warning-info or call (510) 881-1833.

EVERYDAY FIRE RULES

• Smoking is prohibited in Regional Parks, including inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted pipe, cigar, cigarette, marijuana, plant, or other combustible organic or chemical substance.
• Vapor devices that release gas, particles, or vapors into the air (excluding any USDA-approved medication) are prohibited in Regional Parks.
• Use of gasoline-powered equipment (generators) is prohibited.
• Do not drive or park your vehicle on dry grass areas—the heat from a vehicle’s undercarriage can ignite a wildfire. Low-hanging chains that drag can also ignite wildfires near dry grass.
• Do not build, light, or maintain any open outdoor fire on park property except in those facilities or areas provided and designated for that purpose.
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Gas or propane camp stoves, portable barbecues, and hibachis are permitted under certain conditions:
  • Place the stove in an area that will not scorch, burn, or otherwise damage lawns or tabletops.
  • Keep the stove at least 30 feet from any flammable material such as grass, weeds, wood chips, brush, or buildings.
  • Thoroughly extinguish all burning fuel such as wood or charcoal before disposing of them in an ash receptacle. It is illegal to dispose of coals in garbage cans or refuse bins.

“VERY HIGH” FIRE DANGER RULES

• Barbecues and campfires are ONLY permitted in designated day-use picnic areas, campgrounds, or developed recreational areas.
• Gas-fueled stoves/barbecues are permitted under required conditions (see previous).

“EXTREME” FIRE DANGER RULES

• No open fires, campfires, or barbecues of any type are allowed.
• ONLY gas-fueled stoves/barbecues are permitted under required conditions (see previous).

PARK CLOSURES
In rare occurrences, parks will close when two things occur:

• The fire department has limited resources to fight a fire.
• The National Weather Service declares a Red Flag Warning—signifying a likelihood of severe lightning storms or hot, dry winds from the east, called Diablo Winds.
   

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and 1,250 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and nature learning. The Park District receives more than 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor
(925) 482-7078
dmason@ebparks.org