Fire Pit Rules: Carson vs Long Beach
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Carson, CA and Long Beach, CA?
Carson and Long Beach 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 →Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
Portable fire pits are allowed in Long Beach on private property with conditions. Fires must be attended at all times. South Coast AQMD spare-the-air day restrictions apply. Beach fire rings are available at designated locations.
View full Long Beach rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carson | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Portable Pits | - | Allowed with conditions |
| Attended | - | Must be attended at all times |
| AQMD | - | No burns on spare-the-air days |
| Beach Fires | - | Designated fire rings only |
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.
Long Beach FAQ
Are fire pits allowed in residential areas in Long Beach?
Gas-fueled fire pits allowed with building permit approval. Wood-burning fire pits prohibited within 25 feet of combustible structures. Subject to SCAQMD Spare the Air restrictions.
What are the fire pit setback requirements in Long Beach?
Gas Fire Pits: Allowed with building permit. Wood Burning: Min. 25 ft from combustible structures. Spark Arrester: Required for portable fire pits. No-Burn Days: SCAQMD Spare the Air restrictions apply.
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