Fire Pit Rules: Los Angeles vs San Francisco
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and San Francisco, CA?
Los Angeles has fewer restrictions than San Francisco.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
Recreational fires in fire pits are allowed in Los Angeles but must comply with SCAQMD Rule 444 and LAMC fire code provisions. Fires must be in approved containers, no larger than 3 feet in diameter, at least 15 feet from structures, and never during SCAQMD no-burn days. Wood-burning fire pits may be further restricted in the VHFHSZ.
View full Los Angeles rules →San Francisco, CA
San Francisco County
Outdoor fire pits burning wood or solid fuels are prohibited on Spare the Air Alert days under BAAQMD Regulation 6, Rule 3. In the dense urban environment of San Francisco, open fires are effectively banned year-round by a combination of BAAQMD restrictions and SF Fire Code. Gas-fueled fire pits are allowed when not prohibited by building rules. Beach fires at Ocean Beach are banned by the National Park Service.
View full San Francisco rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Los Angeles | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Container | Approved fire pit required | - |
| Distance | 15 ft minimum from structures | - |
| No-Burn Days | Prohibited during SCAQMD alerts | - |
| VHFHSZ | Additional restrictions may apply | - |
| Size Limit | 3 ft diameter max | - |
| Wood-Burning Fire Pits | - | Banned on Spare the Air days |
| Gas Fire Pits | - | Allowed (building rules may vary) |
| Ocean Beach | - | All fires banned (NPS) |
| Authority | - | BAAQMD Reg. 6, Rule 3 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Los Angeles FAQ
Are fire pits allowed in residential areas in los Angeles?
Gas-fueled fire pits are allowed with building department approval. Solid-fuel (wood-burning) fire pits subject to SCAQMD restrictions and LAFD Fire Code setback rules.
What are the fire pit setback requirements in los Angeles?
Gas Fire Pits: Allowed with building dept approval. Wood Burning: Min. 25 ft from combustible structures. Spare the Air: All outdoor burning may be restricted. Red Flag: All burning prohibited.
San Francisco FAQ
Are fire pits allowed in residential areas in San Francisco?
Outdoor fire pits burning wood or solid fuels are prohibited on Spare the Air Alert days under BAAQMD Regulation 6, Rule 3. In the dense urban environment of San Francisco, open fires are effectively banned year-round by a combination of BAAQMD restrictions and SF Fire Code. Gas-fueled fire pits...
What are the fire pit setback requirements in San Francisco?
Wood-Burning Fire Pits: Banned on Spare the Air days. Gas Fire Pits: Allowed (building rules may vary). Ocean Beach: All fires banned (NPS). Authority: BAAQMD Reg. 6, Rule 3.
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