Backyard Fires: Burbank vs Los Angeles
How do backyard fires rules compare between Burbank, CA and Los Angeles, CA?
Burbank has fewer restrictions than Los Angeles.
Burbank, CA
Los Angeles County
Burbank has no separate backyard-fire ordinance; recreational backyard fires are governed by the 2025 California Fire Code adopted in Burbank Municipal Code 9-1-9. A recreational fire must be 25 feet from structures/combustibles (15 feet for a portable outdoor fireplace, excepted at one- and two-family homes), constantly attended, and never used for open burning of waste, which requires a Fire Code Official permit.
View full Burbank rules →Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
LAFD allows portable fire pits with seasoned wood, 10-foot clearance, and full extinguishment. SCAQMD Rule 444 bans open burning. Red Flag days suspend all outdoor fires.
View full Los Angeles rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burbank | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | BMC 9-1-9 (adopts 2025 CFC); CFC 307.4 / 307.5 | - |
| Recreational fire clearance | 25 ft from structures/combustibles | - |
| Waste burning | Not a recreational fire - needs open-burning permit (9-1-9-307.1.1.1) | - |
| Attendance | Must be constantly attended until out (CFC 307.5) | - |
| Clearance from structures | - | 10 feet minimum |
| Fuel allowed | - | Seasoned clean wood only |
| Open burning | - | Banned by SCAQMD Rule 444 |
| Red Flag days | - | All outdoor fires suspended |
| VHFHSZ zones | - | Extra restrictions apply |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Burbank FAQ
Is a backyard campfire or chiminea allowed in Burbank?
A small recreational fire (for warmth or cooking) is allowed if you follow the adopted California Fire Code - keep proper clearance (25 ft for a fire, 15 ft for a portable outdoor fireplace except at 1-2 family homes) and keep it constantly attended. Burning waste is not a recreational fire and needs a permit.
Can I burn leaves or yard trimmings in my yard?
No - that is open burning, not a recreational fire, and it is only allowed under the limited Fire Code Official permits in BMC 9-1-9-307.1.1.1. Yard-waste disposal burning is not a permitted purpose.
Los Angeles FAQ
Can I burn leaves or yard waste in my backyard?
No. SCAQMD Rule 444 prohibits open burning of landscape and yard waste across the LA basin. Green waste must go in the curbside organics bin.
How do I know if today is a Red Flag day?
Check the LAFD website, LA 311, or National Weather Service LA office. Red Flag warnings suspend all recreational and open fires until the warning is lifted.
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