Los Angeles, CA Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Los Angeles, CA, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Permit required for backyard fire?
- No, if using a BBQ, outdoor fireplace, or similar device for cooking/entertainment
- Waste burning prohibited
- Yes: burning or disposing of combustible waste in any outdoor fireplace or BBQ is prohibited
- Fire hazard prohibition
- No use of any exterior fireplace or BBQ that constitutes a fire hazard (§ 57.307.7)
- Setback for installed devices
- Permanently installed outdoor burning devices within 10 ft of a building require Fire Chief approval
Summary
Exterior fireplaces, BBQ devices, and portable outdoor fireplaces used for cooking or entertainment are permitted in Los Angeles without an open-burning permit, but cannot be used to burn or dispose of combustible waste, and must not create a fire hazard.
SEC. 57.307.6.1. OUTDOOR BURNING DEVICES.
No exterior fireplace, barbeque device, or other fuel burning device intended for use for cooking or entertainment shall be deemed to be restricted by the terms of Section 57.307.6. The use of such outdoor fireplaces, barbeques, and other similar type devices for the burning or disposal of combustible waste or other unwanted combustible material is prohibited.
SEC. 57.307.6.2. LOCATION OF OUTDOOR BURNING DEVICES.
The location of every permanently installed outdoor burning device which is a separate structure to be used for cooking, decoration or entertainment, and within 10 feet of a building shall be approved by the Chief.
SEC. 57.307.7. EXERCISE OF CAUTION WITH FIRE.
No person shall construct, erect, install, locate, equip, maintain, or use any incinerator, exterior fireplace or barbeque device, or burn any combustible material so as to constitute or occasion a fire hazard by the use, or burning thereof, or as to endanger the life or property of any person thereby.
Full Breakdown
LAMC § 57.307.6.1 exempts exterior fireplaces, BBQ devices, and similar fuel-burning devices intended for cooking or entertainment from the open-burning permit requirement of § 57.307.6. However, using those same devices to burn or dispose of combustible waste is prohibited. Section 57.307.7 further requires that no one shall construct, install, or use any exterior fireplace or BBQ device in a manner that creates or occasions a fire hazard or endangers life or property. Permanently installed outdoor burning devices (fire pits, outdoor fireplaces) placed within 10 feet of a building require approval from the Fire Chief under § 57.307.6.2.
Violations & Fines
Violations of the fire-hazard prohibition and related provisions are subject to penalties and minimum fines under LAMC § 57.110.4 and Table 57.110.4. Serious cases may be prosecuted as misdemeanors under LAMC § 11.00, with fines up to $1,000 and/or up to six months in county jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to use my backyard fire pit in Los Angeles?
Can I burn yard waste in my outdoor fireplace?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
How Los Angeles compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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Fire Pits & Backyard Fires in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle fire pits & backyard fires.