Outdoor Burning: Compton vs South Gate
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Compton, CA and South Gate, CA?
Compton and South Gate 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 →South Gate, CA
Los Angeles County
Open outdoor burning of any vegetation, leaves, yard waste, paper, or rubbish is prohibited in South Gate by South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 444 and California Fire Code §307. The only allowed outdoor fires are small recreational/cooking fires meeting CFC §307.4.2 (fire pits ≤ 3 ft x 2 ft, 25 ft from structures, attended) and barbecue cooking fires.
View full South Gate rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Compton | South Gate |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Yard waste / debris burning | - | Prohibited (SCAQMD Rule 444) |
| Recreational fires | - | Allowed within CFC §307.4.2 limits |
| BBQ / cooking fires | - | Allowed (Rule 444 exemption) |
| Permits required for | - | Any open burning over CFC §307.4.2 thresholds |
| No-burn day enforcement | - | SCAQMD Rule 445 (wood-burning curtailment) |
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.
South Gate FAQ
Can I burn leaves in my yard?
No. SCAQMD Rule 444 prohibits open burning of leaves, vegetation, refuse, and any non-clean fuel in the South Coast Air Basin including South Gate. Use the city's green-waste curbside cart instead.
Can I burn a small bonfire on the beach or in my yard?
Beach bonfires don't apply (no beach in South Gate). In your yard, only a small recreational fire in an approved container (≤ 3 ft diameter, 2 ft tall) at least 25 ft from structures is allowed under California Fire Code §307.4.2. Burning wood is also banned on SCAQMD-declared no-burn days.
How do I check for a no-burn day?
Visit SCAQMD's 'Check Before You Burn' page or call (866) 966-3293. No-burn days are typically called during winter PM2.5 episodes.
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