Outdoor burning rules in South Gate, 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.
Open outdoor burning of any vegetation, leaves, yard waste, paper, or rubbish is prohibited in South Gate by South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 444 and California Fire Code §307. The only allowed outdoor fires are small recreational/cooking fires meeting CFC §307.4.2 (fire pits ≤ 3 ft x 2 ft, 25 ft from structures, attended) and barbecue cooking fires.
SCAQMD Rule 444 prohibits ignition of open outdoor fires in the South Coast Air Basin (which includes all of South Gate) except for: (a) cooking fires (BBQ), (b) ceremonial fires permitted by SCAQMD, (c) agricultural burning under a SCAQMD-issued permit (not applicable to urban South Gate), and (d) firefighter training. California Fire Code §307.1 requires a permit from the fire code official for any open burning. §307.4 allows small recreational fires for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, or warmth without permit if they meet the size/setback/attendance rules in §307.4.2. §307.3 authorizes the fire code official to order any fire extinguished if it becomes a hazard or objectionable nuisance. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) and SCAQMD publicize 'no-burn days' (residential wood combustion curtailments under SCAQMD Rule 445) by ZIP code that South Gate residents must check before burning wood in any setting.
SCAQMD Rule 444 violations are administrative civil penalties up to $1,000 per occurrence; willful or repeat violations under Health and Safety Code §42402 escalate to misdemeanors with fines up to $25,000 per day. California Fire Code violations are misdemeanors under Health and Safety Code §13871. The fire official can order immediate extinguishment and may seize fuel and equipment.
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