Fire Pit Rules: Carson vs Torrance
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Carson, CA and Torrance, CA?
Carson and Torrance 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 →Torrance, CA
Los Angeles County
Fire pits must be at least 15 feet from combustible structures and equipped with spark arresters. Open burning requires SCAQMD permit and fire department approval.
View full Torrance rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carson | Torrance |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Distance | - | 15 ft from structures |
| Spark Arrester | - | Required |
| Wind Limit | - | No fires if winds exceed 10 mph |
| SCAQMD | - | No-burn days enforced |
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.
Torrance FAQ
Are fire pits allowed in residential areas in Torrance?
Fire pits must be at least 15 feet from combustible structures and equipped with spark arresters. Open burning requires SCAQMD permit and fire department approval.
What are the fire pit setback requirements in Torrance?
Distance: 15 ft from structures. Spark Arrester: Required. Wind Limit: No fires if winds exceed 10 mph. SCAQMD: No-burn days enforced.
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