Outdoor Burning: Downey vs El Monte
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Downey, CA and El Monte, CA?
Downey has fewer restrictions than El Monte.
Downey, CA
Los Angeles County
Downey Municipal Code Chapter 3 (Fire Code) requires permits for recreational fires. Open burning is restricted by SCAQMD rules. Fires are prohibited before 7 AM and after 10 PM Sunday-Thursday or midnight Friday-Saturday.
View full Downey 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 | Downey | El Monte |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | Art. V, Ch. 3 (Fire Code) | - |
| Permit Required | Yes, from Fire Dept. | - |
| Weekday Cutoff | 7 AM start; 10 PM end (Sun-Thu) | - |
| Weekend Cutoff | 7 AM start; midnight end (Fri-Sat) | - |
| No-Burn Days | SCAQMD designated days | - |
| Fire Dept | (562) 904-7345 | - |
| 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.
Downey FAQ
Can I have a fire pit in Downey?
Yes, but you need a permit from the Downey Fire Department. Fires are allowed after 7 AM and must end by 10 PM on weeknights or midnight on Friday/Saturday. No fires on SCAQMD no-burn days.
Can I burn yard waste in Downey?
No. Open burning of yard waste is prohibited by SCAQMD Rule 444. All green waste must be disposed of through regular waste collection.
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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