Outdoor Burning: Los Angeles vs San Francisco
How do outdoor burning 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
Open burning of trash, yard waste, and debris is prohibited in Los Angeles. South Coast AQMD governs. Recreational fires in approved containers may be allowed but subject to Spare the Air restrictions.
View full Los Angeles rules →San Francisco, CA
San Francisco County
San Francisco Fire Code Section 307 and Bay Area Air Quality Management District rules ban open outdoor burning of yard waste, debris, and trash citywide. Recreational fire features have narrow exceptions under SFFD permit.
View full San Francisco rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Los Angeles | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Regulator | SCAQMD + LAFD | - |
| Trash/Debris Burning | Prohibited | - |
| Spare the Air | Wood burning banned on no-burn days | - |
| Red Flag Warning | All outdoor burning prohibited | - |
| Code section | - | SF Fire Code 307 |
| Air authority | - | BAAQMD Regulation 5 |
| Beach exception | - | Ocean Beach fire rings |
| Min fine | - | $100 first offense |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Los Angeles FAQ
Can I burn yard waste in my backyard in los Angeles?
Open burning of trash, yard waste, and debris is prohibited in Los Angeles. South Coast AQMD governs. Recreational fires in approved containers may be allowed but subject to Spare the Air restrictions.
Do I need a permit for outdoor burning in los Angeles?
Regulator: SCAQMD + LAFD. Trash/Debris Burning: Prohibited. Spare the Air: Wood burning banned on no-burn days. Red Flag Warning: All outdoor burning prohibited.
San Francisco FAQ
Can I burn leaves in my SF backyard?
No. BAAQMD Regulation 5 bans residential open burning across the Bay Area. SF Fire Code 307 reinforces the ban citywide. Yard waste must go in green compost bins under SF Recology service.
Are beach bonfires allowed in SF?
Only at Ocean Beach in NPS-designated fire rings between 6 AM and 9 PM. Use only clean firewood, no pallets or trash. GGNRA park rangers enforce, and SFFD assists for major incidents.
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