Fire Pit Rules: Carson vs Inglewood
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Carson, CA and Inglewood, CA?
Carson and Inglewood 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 →Inglewood, CA
Los Angeles County
Inglewood allows recreational fire pits under SCAQMD and city fire department guidelines. Fire pits must use clean-burning fuels, be located away from structures, and comply with size and clearance requirements.
View full Inglewood rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carson | Inglewood |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Setback | - | 15 feet from structures |
| Fuel | - | Clean wood, propane, or natural gas |
| Screen | - | Spark screen required |
| Red Flag Days | - | All outdoor fires prohibited |
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.
Inglewood FAQ
Can I have a fire pit in my Inglewood backyard?
Yes, if it meets clearance requirements (15 feet from structures), uses clean fuel, and has a spark screen. All fires must be extinguished during red flag warnings.
What can I burn in my fire pit in Inglewood?
Only clean, dry wood or propane/natural gas. Burning trash, treated lumber, plastics, or yard waste is prohibited.
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