Los Angeles County, CA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Los Angeles County, CA, also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance, set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Key Facts
- Max recreational fire size
- 3 feet diameter x 2 feet height
- Recreational fire location
- Private property, outside wildfire risk areas only
- Permit required for
- Bonfires, silvicultural/agricultural burns, wildfire risk area fires
- Sky lanterns
- Prohibited unless fire code official issues special permit
- Maximum fine
- $1,000 per violation per day
Summary
Open outdoor fires are generally prohibited in unincorporated LA County except for specific permitted exceptions. Small recreational and cooking fires on private property (maximum 3 feet wide by 2 feet tall) are allowed only outside wildfire risk areas.
A person shall not build, light, maintain, or cause or permit to be built, lighted, or maintained, any open outdoor fire or use or cause or permit to be used, any open outdoor fire for any purpose except: 1. When such fire is set or permission for such fire is given in the performance of the official duty of any public officer, and the fire, in the opinion of such public officer, is necessary for: (i) The purpose of the prevention of a fire hazard which cannot be abated by any other means; or (ii) The instruction of public employees in the methods of fighting fire. 2. When such fire is set pursuant to permit on property used for industrial or institutional purposes for the purpose of instruction of employees in methods of fighting fire. 3. When such fire is set in the course of any agricultural operation in the growing of crops or raising of fowl or animals. 4. On a public beach area owned, managed, or controlled by the County. 5. In a County-owned park or recreation camp. 6. Bonfires permitted by the fire code official. 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.
Full Breakdown
The fire code prohibits all open outdoor fires except for official duty fires, permitted industrial training fires, agricultural operation fires, fires at County-owned beaches or parks, permitted bonfires, and small recreational or cooking fires on private property limited to 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height and located outside wildfire risk areas. A separate operational permit is required for kindling any open fire in a recognized silvicultural or wildlife management context, or for bonfires. In wildfire risk areas, all outdoor burning requires a permit.
Violations & Fines
Violation of the fire code is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 or by imprisonment not exceeding six months, or both. Each day a violation continues is a separate offense. The fire code official can also require immediate cessation of burning and can order abatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a backyard bonfire?
Are sky lanterns or floating luminaries allowed?
Can I burn leaves or yard waste in my backyard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
How Los Angeles County compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles County to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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