Outdoor Burning: South Gate vs Torrance
How do outdoor burning rules compare between South Gate, CA and Torrance, CA?
South Gate and Torrance have similar restriction levels.
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 →Torrance, CA
Los Angeles County
Torrance prohibits making or kindling fire in any public place including streets, sidewalks, public rights-of-way, and greenbelts under TMC Chapter 85 (Fire Prevention). The city adopts the California Fire Code with local amendments. SCAQMD Rule 444 also restricts open burning in the South Coast Air Basin.
View full Torrance rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | South Gate | Torrance |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | - |
| Public Places | - | All fires prohibited |
| Fire Code | - | CA Fire Code 2025 Ed. |
| Air Quality | - | SCAQMD Rule 444 |
| Code | - | TMC Ch. 85 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Torrance FAQ
Can I have a fire pit in my backyard in Torrance?
Recreational fires in approved fire pits on private property may be permitted, subject to SCAQMD air quality rules. Prohibited during Red Flag warnings.
Is open burning allowed anywhere in Torrance?
No open burning is allowed in any public place. Private property fires must comply with the California Fire Code and SCAQMD regulations.
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