Los Angeles, CA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Los Angeles, 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
- Open burning permit
- Special Permit from Fire Chief required (§ 57.105.8)
- Permitted purposes
- 4 only: firefighting instruction, industrial training, civic/fraternal/religious gatherings, ground cooking
- Sky lanterns
- Prohibited citywide (§ 57.308.1.6.3), no exception
- BBQ/outdoor fireplace exemption
- Exempt from open-burning permit; but waste burning in them is prohibited
- Permit applicant
- Must be the land owner
Summary
Open burning in Los Angeles is nearly entirely prohibited and requires a Special Permit from the Fire Chief, available only for four narrowly defined purposes: firefighting instruction, industrial employee training, civic/fraternal/religious public gatherings, and cooking on the ground.
SEC. 57.307.2. PERMIT REQUIRED.
A permit shall be obtained from the fire code official in accordance with Section 57.105.8 prior to kindling a fire for recognized silvicultural or range or wildlife management practices, prevention or control of disease or pests, or a bonfire. Application for such approval shall only be presented by and permits issued to the owner of the land upon which the fire is to be kindled.
SEC. 57.307.6. OUTDOOR BURNING REQUIREMENTS.
The Chief may issue a Special Permit pursuant to Section 57.105.8 to allow outdoor burning for the following purposes only:
1. The instruction of public employees in the methods of fighting fires.
2. On property used for industrial purposes for the instruction of employees in methods of firefighting.
3. For public gatherings under legitimate sponsorship of civic, fraternal, religious, or other similar organizations.
4. For cooking in or upon the ground.
SEC. 57.308.1.6.3. SKY LANTERNS.
Sky lanterns shall be prohibited in the City of Los Angeles.
Full Breakdown
LAMC § 57.307.2 requires a permit prior to kindling any bonfire, silvicultural fire, or fire for disease/pest control. Section 57.307.6 limits the Chief's authority to issue Special Permits for outdoor burning to only four categories. Sky lanterns are outright prohibited under § 57.308.1.6.3 with no permit exception. Portable outdoor fireplaces and BBQ devices used for cooking or entertainment are exempted from the open-burning permit requirement (§ 57.307.6.1), but using them to burn or dispose of combustible waste is prohibited.
Violations & Fines
Violations are subject to penalties and minimum fines as prescribed in LAMC § 57.110.4 and Table 57.110.4. Sky lantern violations are subject to those same penalties. Repeat violations of related fire-hazard provisions (e.g., § 57.305.5.2) can result in prosecution as a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $1,000 and/or up to six months in county jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a bonfire in my backyard in Los Angeles?
Are sky lanterns legal in LA?
Can I use my outdoor fireplace or fire pit for cooking?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
How Los Angeles compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Outdoor Burning in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle outdoor burning.