Outdoor Burning: Carson vs Compton
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Carson, CA and Compton, CA?
Carson and Compton have similar restriction levels.
Carson, CA
Los Angeles County
Open burning of yard waste, trash, or construction debris is prohibited. Carson sits inside the South Coast Air Quality Management District, where SCAQMD Rule 444 bans most open outdoor fires, and the California Fire Code §307 (adopted via LA County Title 32) requires LACoFD permission for any non-recreational open fire.
View full Carson rules →Compton, CA
Los Angeles County
Open burning is prohibited in Compton under SCAQMD Rule 444 and the city's fire prevention code. Fire permits are required for recreational fires. Contact the Compton Fire Department for permit requirements.
View full Compton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carson | Compton |
|---|---|---|
| Open burning | Prohibited (SCAQMD Rule 444 + CFC §307.1 requires permit) | - |
| Recreational fire exception | Wood fire ≤3 ft × 2 ft, 25 ft from structures (CFC §307.4) | - |
| Burn barrels | Prohibited | - |
| No-burn days | SCAQMD Rule 445 — Nov 1 to Feb 28 'Check Before You Burn' | - |
| Penalty | AQMD civil penalty up to $1,000/day per HSC §42400 | - |
| Open Burning | - | Prohibited (SCAQMD Rule 444) |
| Fire Permits | - | Required for recreational fires |
| Fire Pits | - | Allowed with restrictions |
| Air District | - | SCAQMD |
| Fire Prevention | - | (310) 605-5670 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Carson FAQ
Can I burn leaves in my yard in Carson?
No. SCAQMD Rule 444 prohibits open burning of yard waste anywhere in the South Coast Basin, which includes Carson. Yard waste must go in the city's green-waste collection.
Are bonfires allowed?
Only small recreational fires meeting California Fire Code §307.4 (≤3 ft diameter, 25 ft setback, attended, clean wood fuel). Larger bonfires require an open-burning permit from LACoFD, which is rarely granted in this air basin.
What is a no-burn day?
Under SCAQMD Rule 445, residential wood burning is banned on poor-air-quality days from November through February. Check arb.ca.gov or aqmd.gov for daily status before lighting a wood fire.
Compton FAQ
Can I burn yard waste in Compton?
No. Open burning of yard waste is prohibited by SCAQMD Rule 444. All green waste must go through regular waste collection.
Do I need a permit for a fire pit in Compton?
Contact the Compton Fire Prevention Division at (310) 605-5670 for fire pit permit requirements. Fire pits must meet setback requirements and SCAQMD no-burn day rules.
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