Outdoor Burning: Pasadena vs South Gate
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Pasadena, CA and South Gate, CA?
Pasadena and South Gate have similar restriction levels.
Pasadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Pasadena prohibits open burning under South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 444 and the California Fire Code. Burning trash, yard waste, and debris is illegal. Agricultural burning requires AQMD permits.
View full Pasadena rules →South Gate, CA
Los Angeles County
Open outdoor burning of any vegetation, leaves, yard waste, paper, or rubbish is prohibited in South Gate by South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 444 and California Fire Code §307. The only allowed outdoor fires are small recreational/cooking fires meeting CFC §307.4.2 (fire pits ≤ 3 ft x 2 ft, 25 ft from structures, attended) and barbecue cooking fires.
View full South Gate rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Pasadena | South Gate |
|---|---|---|
| Open Burning | Prohibited | - |
| Authority | SCAQMD Rule 444 + CA Fire Code | - |
| No-Burn Days | AQMD may declare restrictions | - |
| AQMD Fine | Up to $1,000/day | - |
| Yard waste / debris burning | - | Prohibited (SCAQMD Rule 444) |
| Recreational fires | - | Allowed within CFC §307.4.2 limits |
| BBQ / cooking fires | - | Allowed (Rule 444 exemption) |
| Permits required for | - | Any open burning over CFC §307.4.2 thresholds |
| No-burn day enforcement | - | SCAQMD Rule 445 (wood-burning curtailment) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Pasadena FAQ
Can I burn yard waste in Pasadena?
No. Open burning is prohibited under SCAQMD Rule 444 and the California Fire Code. Use city green waste collection instead.
What about a campfire in my backyard?
Recreational fires in approved containers may be allowed under specific conditions, but are subject to AQMD no-burn day restrictions.
South Gate FAQ
Can I burn leaves in my yard?
No. SCAQMD Rule 444 prohibits open burning of leaves, vegetation, refuse, and any non-clean fuel in the South Coast Air Basin including South Gate. Use the city's green-waste curbside cart instead.
Can I burn a small bonfire on the beach or in my yard?
Beach bonfires don't apply (no beach in South Gate). In your yard, only a small recreational fire in an approved container (≤ 3 ft diameter, 2 ft tall) at least 25 ft from structures is allowed under California Fire Code §307.4.2. Burning wood is also banned on SCAQMD-declared no-burn days.
How do I check for a no-burn day?
Visit SCAQMD's 'Check Before You Burn' page or call (866) 966-3293. No-burn days are typically called during winter PM2.5 episodes.
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