Fire Pit Rules: Inglewood vs South Gate
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Inglewood, CA and South Gate, CA?
Inglewood and South Gate have similar restriction levels.
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 →South Gate, CA
Los Angeles County
South Gate adopts the California Fire Code (CFC) through South Gate Municipal Code Title 9 (Buildings and Construction). CFC Section 307.4.2 governs recreational fires: portable outdoor fireplaces, chimineas, and fire pits burning clean wood or approved fuels are permitted on residential property when not prohibited by the local fire code official, but open burning of vegetation or rubbish is banned countywide under South Coast AQMD Rule 444.
View full South Gate rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Inglewood | South Gate |
|---|---|---|
| Setback | 15 feet from structures | - |
| Fuel | Clean wood, propane, or natural gas | - |
| Screen | Spark screen required | - |
| Red Flag Days | All outdoor fires prohibited | - |
| Fire pit size limit | - | 3 ft diameter, 2 ft height (CFC §307.4.2) |
| Setback from structures | - | 25 ft (or 15 ft for UL-listed portable outdoor fireplaces) |
| Open vegetation/refuse burning | - | Banned by SCAQMD Rule 444 |
| No-burn day authority | - | South Coast AQMD |
| Wildfire zone | - | Not in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
South Gate FAQ
Can I have a backyard fire pit in South Gate?
Yes, gas or clean-wood-burning fire pits are allowed if the fire is no larger than 3 ft x 2 ft, kept 25 ft from structures, constantly attended, and an extinguishment method is on hand (California Fire Code §307.4.2). On a SCAQMD no-burn day, wood-burning is prohibited.
Can I burn yard waste in a fire pit?
No. SCAQMD Rule 444 prohibits open burning of vegetation, leaves, or yard waste anywhere in the South Coast Air Basin including South Gate. Use green-waste curbside collection instead.
Are gas fire pits regulated the same as wood?
Gas (natural gas/propane) fire features are not subject to SCAQMD wood-burning curtailment rules but must still meet CFC §307 clearance and attendance requirements and any plumbing/gas-line permit requirements under Title 9.
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