Fire Pit Rules: Carson vs Compton
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Carson, CA and Compton, CA?
Carson and Compton have similar restriction levels.
Carson, CA
Los Angeles County
Carson contracts fire/EMS to the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD), so the California Fire Code adopted at LA County Code Title 32 governs residential outdoor fires. Portable outdoor fireplaces and recreational fires are allowed but must be set back from structures, attended at all times, and use only clean fuel.
View full Carson rules →Compton, CA
Los Angeles County
Recreational fire pits in Compton must comply with South Coast AQMD regulations and fire safety codes. Open burning requires AQMD permits. Portable fire pits using gas or propane are generally allowed. Wood-burning fire pits must follow spare-the-air day restrictions.
View full Compton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carson | Compton |
|---|---|---|
| Fire authority | LA County Fire Department (LACoFD) — contract service | - |
| Recreational fire setback | 25 ft from structure (CFC §307.4.2); 15 ft for portable outdoor fireplaces | - |
| Adopted code | California Fire Code (Title 24 Part 9) as amended by LA County Code Title 32 | - |
| Permitted fuel | Seasoned firewood, charcoal, manufactured logs, natural gas, propane | - |
| AQMD no-burn | South Coast AQMD Rule 445 may prohibit wood burning on Check Before You Burn days | - |
| Gas/Propane Pits | - | Generally permitted |
| Wood Burning | - | Subject to AQMD rules |
| Spare the Air | - | No burning on alert days |
| Setbacks | - | Must be away from structures |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Carson FAQ
Are backyard fire pits legal in Carson?
Yes. Portable outdoor fireplaces and recreational fires are allowed under California Fire Code §307.4 (as adopted via LA County Title 32) when kept at least 15–25 feet from structures, attended, and burning only clean fuel.
Can I burn yard waste in a fire pit?
No. CFC §307.4 limits recreational fires to seasoned firewood and similar clean fuel. Burning leaves, trash, or treated wood is prohibited and also violates SCAQMD air-quality rules.
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit?
No permit is required for a portable recreational fire pit meeting the setback rules. Permanent built-in fire features may require a building permit from Carson Building & Safety under the adopted California Building Code.
Compton FAQ
Are fire pits allowed in residential areas in Compton?
Recreational fire pits in Compton must comply with South Coast AQMD regulations and fire safety codes. Open burning requires AQMD permits. Portable fire pits using gas or propane are generally allowed. Wood-burning fire pits must follow spare-the-air day restrictions.
What are the fire pit setback requirements in Compton?
Gas/Propane Pits: Generally permitted. Wood Burning: Subject to AQMD rules. Spare the Air: No burning on alert days. Setbacks: Must be away from structures.
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