Backyard Fires: Los Angeles vs San Francisco
How do backyard fires rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and San Francisco, CA?
Los Angeles and San Francisco have similar restriction levels.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
LAFD allows portable fire pits with seasoned wood, 10-foot clearance, and full extinguishment. SCAQMD Rule 444 bans open burning. Red Flag days suspend all outdoor fires.
View full Los Angeles rules →San Francisco, CA
San Francisco County
Open burning is prohibited in San Francisco under Fire Code Section 307 and BAAQMD Regulation 5. Only contained recreational fires in approved appliances with clean fuel are allowed. Fire pits, chimineas, and propane heaters are regulated, and spare-the-air days ban all solid-fuel burning.
View full San Francisco rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Los Angeles | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Clearance from structures | 10 feet minimum | - |
| Fuel allowed | Seasoned clean wood only | - |
| Open burning | Banned by SCAQMD Rule 444 | - |
| Red Flag days | All outdoor fires suspended | - |
| VHFHSZ zones | Extra restrictions apply | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Los Angeles FAQ
Can I burn leaves or yard waste in my backyard?
No. SCAQMD Rule 444 prohibits open burning of landscape and yard waste across the LA basin. Green waste must go in the curbside organics bin.
How do I know if today is a Red Flag day?
Check the LAFD website, LA 311, or National Weather Service LA office. Red Flag warnings suspend all recreational and open fires until the warning is lifted.
San Francisco FAQ
Compare other topics
See how Los Angeles and San Francisco compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool