Compton Burn Bans Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

The City of Compton is located within the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), which issues mandatory no-burn alerts during periods of poor air quality, primarily during the fall and winter months. SCAQMD Rule 445 prohibits all wood-burning in residential and commercial fireplaces, wood stoves, fire pits, chimineas, and similar devices on declared no-burn days. These alerts are issued when fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels are forecast to exceed federal health standards.

As a densely populated urban community in south Los Angeles County, Compton is subject to year-round prohibitions on open burning. Burning of trash, yard waste, leaves, construction debris, and any other materials outdoors is prohibited at all times under both SCAQMD regulations and the California Fire Code. The LA County Fire Department, which provides fire protection services to Compton, enforces open burning prohibitions within the city.

Residents may use gas or propane fireplaces and fire pits at any time, as these devices are exempt from SCAQMD no-burn day orders. Wood-burning devices that are EPA Phase II certified are also exempt from no-burn orders when they are the sole source of heat in the home. Low-income households that meet SCAQMD financial hardship criteria may also apply for an exemption.

To check whether today is a no-burn day, residents can visit AQMD.gov, call 1-800-CUT-SMOG (1-800-288-7664), or sign up for free Air Alert email or text notifications at the SCAQMD website.