Outdoor Burning: Compton vs El Monte
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Compton, CA and El Monte, CA?
Compton and El Monte have similar restriction levels.
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 →El Monte, CA
Los Angeles County
Open outdoor burning of trash, leaves, brush, or construction debris is effectively banned in El Monte: South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 444 prohibits open burning in the South Coast Air Basin without an AQMD permit, and California Fire Code Section 307 (adopted by EMMC Chapter 15.34) bans recreational rubbish burning.
View full El Monte rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Compton | El Monte |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Open burning permitted? | - | No - prohibited by SCAQMD Rule 444 and CFC 307.1.1 |
| Recreational fires | - | Allowed under CFC 307.4.2 with restrictions |
| Maximum criminal fine (CFC 109.4.1) | - | $1,000 + up to 6 months jail |
| AQMD civil penalty cap | - | Up to $11,710/day (H&SC 42402) |
| Permit authority | - | SCAQMD Open Burn Program + LA County Fire Code Official |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
El Monte FAQ
Can I burn leaves or yard waste in my El Monte backyard?
No. SCAQMD Rule 444 prohibits residential open burning of leaves, branches, paper, and trash anywhere in the South Coast Air Basin (which includes all of LA County). Yard waste goes in the green organics cart for collection.
Can I burn construction debris on a job site?
No. Open burning of construction debris is prohibited by SCAQMD Rule 444 and California Fire Code Section 307.1.1 as adopted by EMMC Chapter 15.34. Demolition and construction debris must be disposed of through licensed haulers.
What about a ceremonial bonfire?
A bonfire (anything larger than the 3-foot recreational fire limit in CFC 307.4.2) requires an open-burning permit from the fire code official under CFC Section 105.6.30 and, if not an exempt religious/ceremonial fire, separate SCAQMD authorization. Permits are rarely issued for residential bonfires in El Monte.
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