Los Angeles County, CA Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Los Angeles County, CA, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- No-permit fire size limit
- 3 feet diameter x 2 feet height, fuel area
- Location restriction
- Only outside wildfire risk areas without permit
- Spark arrester opening max
- 1/2 inch (12.7 mm)
- Permit advance notice
- At least 15 days before activity in wildfire risk area
- Max violation fine
- Up to $1,000 per day
Summary
Recreational and cooking fires on private property in unincorporated LA County are allowed without a permit only if the fuel area does not exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height and the property is not in a wildfire risk area. Chimneys and outdoor fireplaces in wildfire risk areas must have spark arresters.
§ 307.2: A permit shall be obtained from the fire code official in accordance with Section 105.5 prior to kindling a recreational fire where the fuel is not contained as described in Chapter 3 nor limited as defined in Section 202, RECREATIONAL FIRE, to having a total fuel area of 3 feet (914 mm) or less in diameter and 2 feet (610 mm) or less in height, for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes.
§ 307.6(7): For cooking, recreational, or ceremonial fires on private property with a maximum fuel area of 3 feet (914 mm) or less in diameter and 2 feet (610 mm) or less in height, in locations outside of wildfire risk areas.
§ 326.12.2: Each chimney used in conjunction with any fireplace, barbecue, or incinerator, or any heating appliance in which solid or liquid fuel is used, upon any building, structure, or premises located within any wildfire risk area, shall be maintained with a spark arrester constructed with heavy wire mesh or other noncombustible material with openings not to exceed 1/2 inch (12.7 mm).
Full Breakdown
A fire pit permit is not required for recreational, cooking, or ceremonial fires where the fuel area is 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height, and the property is not in a wildfire risk area. If the fire pit or fireplace exceeds those size limits, an operational permit from the fire code official is required. In any wildfire risk area, every chimney, barbecue, or fireplace that burns solid or liquid fuel must be equipped with a spark arrester made of heavy wire mesh or noncombustible material with openings no larger than 1/2 inch. Activities in wildfire risk areas require advance permit applications submitted at least 15 days before use.
Violations & Fines
Operating a fire pit in a wildfire risk area without a permit is a misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 fine and/or six months imprisonment. Operating a chimney or barbecue in a wildfire risk area without a spark arrester can result in administrative fines and misdemeanor charges. If a fire escapes due to negligence, the responsible person may be liable for all fire suppression costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a small portable fire pit in my backyard?
My backyard has a built-in barbecue with a chimney. Do I need a spark arrester?
Can I use a chiminea in my backyard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
How Los Angeles County compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles County to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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