Fire Pit Rules: El Monte vs Inglewood
How do fire pit rules rules compare between El Monte, CA and Inglewood, CA?
El Monte and Inglewood have similar restriction levels.
El Monte, CA
Los Angeles County
El Monte adopts the California Fire Code under Municipal Code Chapter 15.34. CFC Section 307 requires recreational fires stay 25 feet from structures and portable outdoor fireplaces stay 15 feet from combustibles, with constant attendance until extinguished.
View full El Monte rules →Inglewood, CA
Los Angeles County
Inglewood allows recreational fire pits under SCAQMD and city fire department guidelines. Fire pits must use clean-burning fuels, be located away from structures, and comply with size and clearance requirements.
View full Inglewood rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Monte | Inglewood |
|---|---|---|
| Permit required | No for recreational fires under 3 ft diameter; yes for larger bonfires (CFC 105.6.30) | - |
| Distance from structures | 25 ft (recreational fires); 15 ft (portable fireplaces) | - |
| Maximum pile size | 3 ft diameter, 2 ft height (CFC 307.4.2) | - |
| Attendance | Constant adult supervision required until extinguished | - |
| Winter no-burn days | SCAQMD Check Before You Burn Nov 1 - Feb 28 | - |
| Setback | - | 15 feet from structures |
| Fuel | - | Clean wood, propane, or natural gas |
| Screen | - | Spark screen required |
| Red Flag Days | - | All outdoor fires prohibited |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
El Monte FAQ
Can I have a backyard fire pit in El Monte?
Yes. Propane and natural gas fire pits are unrestricted. Wood-burning recreational fires must be kept 25 feet from structures and 3 feet in diameter or smaller per California Fire Code Section 307.4.2 (adopted by EMMC Chapter 15.34).
Are wood-burning fire pits allowed every day?
Not in winter. SCAQMD Rule 445 prohibits residential wood burning on no-burn days called by South Coast AQMD between November 1 and the end of February. Check southcoastaqmd.gov before lighting a wood fire.
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit?
No permit is needed for a small recreational fire or manufactured portable fireplace at a single-family home. CFC Section 105.6.30 requires a permit only for open burning, bonfires, or fires exceeding the 3-foot recreational limit.
Inglewood FAQ
Can I have a fire pit in my Inglewood backyard?
Yes, if it meets clearance requirements (15 feet from structures), uses clean fuel, and has a spark screen. All fires must be extinguished during red flag warnings.
What can I burn in my fire pit in Inglewood?
Only clean, dry wood or propane/natural gas. Burning trash, treated lumber, plastics, or yard waste is prohibited.
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