Fire Regulations in Los Angeles, CA (2026)
7 verified fire regulations for Los Angeles, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
Exterior fireplaces, BBQ devices, and portable outdoor fireplaces used for cooking or entertainment are permitted in Los Angeles without an open-burning permit, but cannot be used to burn or dispose of combustible waste, and must not create a fire hazard.
Fire: Backyard Fires
Some RestrictionsLAMC § 57.307.6.1, § 57.307.6.2, § 57.307.7
SEC. 57.307.6.1. OUTDOOR BURNING DEVICES. No exterior fireplace, barbeque device, or other fuel burning device intended for use for cooking or entertainment shall be deemed to be restricted by the terms of Section 57.307.6. The use of such outdoor fireplaces, barbeques, and other similar type devices for the burning or disposal of combustible waste or other unwanted combustible material is ...
Fireworks
All consumer fireworks are banned in Los Angeles: possession, use, sale, and discharge are unlawful citywide. Only permitted public displays by qualified civic, patriotic, or religious organizations are allowed.
Fire: Fireworks
Significant RestrictionsLAMC § 57.5608.1.2
SEC. 57.5608.1.2. FIREWORKS. It shall be unlawful for any person to use, give, possess, sell, or discharge any fireworks in the City of Los Angeles. EXCEPTION : Patriotic, civic, and religious organizations may conduct fireworks displays under permit by the Chief and in accordance with the provisions of the California Health and Safety Code. SEC. 57.5608.1.2.1. CONTROL AND SUPERVISION....
Brush Clearance
Properties in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone must maintain defensible space per LAMC 57.4906.5.2. Vegetation must be cleared within 200 feet of structures and 10 feet of combustible fences or roadways. Grass and native brush must be cut to 3 inches. LAFD conducts annual inspections April through October with fines for non-compliance.
Los Angeles Brush Clearance Requirements
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Public Resources Code Sec. 4291 (Defensible Space / Brush Clearance Requirements)
4291. (a) A person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a building or structure in the state responsibility area shall at all times do all of the following: (1) (A) Maintain defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, but not beyond the property line, except as provided in subparagraph (B). The amount of fuel modification necessary sha...
Outdoor Burning
Open burning in Los Angeles is nearly entirely prohibited and requires a Special Permit from the Fire Chief, available only for four narrowly defined purposes: firefighting instruction, industrial employee training, civic/fraternal/religious public gatherings, and cooking on the ground.
Fire: Outdoor Burning
Heavy RestrictionsLAMC § 57.307.2, § 57.307.6, § 57.308.1.6.3
SEC. 57.307.2. PERMIT REQUIRED. A permit shall be obtained from the fire code official in accordance with Section 57.105.8 prior to kindling a fire for recognized silvicultural or range or wildlife management practices, prevention or control of disease or pests, or a bonfire. Application for such approval shall only be presented by and permits issued to the owner of the land upon which the ...
Wildfire Zones
Los Angeles has established a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) covering hillside and mountain areas, where open burning, smoking, and open flames are prohibited and strict vegetation clearance rules apply.
Fire: Wildfire Zones
Significant RestrictionsLAMC §§ 57.4911.1.1, 57.4911.2, 57.4911.6
SEC. 57.4911.1.1. VERY HIGH FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONE ORDINANCE AND MAP. The Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones are hereby established and declared to be those districts and areas included within the boundary described and set forth in the most current map (amended by Ord. 181,719 , Eff. 6/26/11) which is incorporated herein and made a part hereof for all purposes and shall be available a...
Smoke Detectors
All dwelling units, efficiency dwelling units, guest rooms, and suites in Los Angeles buildings with building permits issued before May 18, 1980 must have permanently wired smoke detectors per CBC Section 907.2.10. Single-family homes also require smoke detectors upon sale, permitted alterations over $1,000 in value, or addition of sleeping rooms.
Building Safety: Smoke Alarms
Some RestrictionsLAMC § 91.8603.1.1; § 91.8603.2.1
91.8603.1.1. Existing Residential Building. Except as otherwise provided in LAMC Subsection 91.8603.1.2, the provisions of CBC Section 907.2.10 shall apply to every dwelling unit, efficiency dwelling unit, guest room and suite in any building where the original building permit was issued prior to May 18, 1980. The smoke detectors may be battery operated until August 1, 1983, at which time the s...
Propane Storage
Indoor storage or use of compressed gases and liquefied flammable gases (including propane) is prohibited inside residential occupancies; only permanent outdoor installations complying with Chapter 47 are allowed.
Fire: Propane Storage
Significant RestrictionsLAMC § 57.4704.9; LAMC § 57.4704.7.2
SEC. 57.4704.9. COMPRESSED GASES AND LIQUEFIED FLAMMABLE GASES. No person shall store or use compressed gases or liquefied flammable gases within a residential occupancy. EXCEPTION: Permanent outside installations of containers and equipment when installed in compliance with Chapter 47 of this article. SEC. 57.4704.7. FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS IN DWELLINGS. ...Storage of fl...
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