The Status of Wood-Burning Fireplaces in Los Angeles Update

I have a question... Our next door neighbor, who just bought the home in November, 2013, just built a wood burning outdoor fireplace on the property line (with the back wall of the fireplace being part of the block wall that a previous owner built between our two properties. In addition to the question about the legality of building this fireplace according to the rules set up by the AQMD, I'm concerned about the mature cypress monterey pines that are within several feet (3 feet) of the wall...and now fireplace. I'm afraid that an outdoor fireplace, that close to mature trees, could pose a substantial fire danger. The trees are kept trimmed/topped...to below our roof line (our property is below theirs) and thinned yearly, but to trim them below this new structure (6 foot wall) would take them down to "stumps"... So, how do I find out if the fireplace is: 1) legal 2) was permitted How do I determine what I should know about our responsibility...as far as the trees are concerned. (how close they are permitted to be to the property line...how tall are they permitted to be...etc) And, what is my next course of action. Thanks so much for your help. Sincerely, Carolyn Rodionoff

Folks,there are still about 2 million fireplaces and many are wood burning and you can still burn wood to your Hearts content!If the EPA says its a no burn day,you will hear about it on the news.I know of noone in So Cal who has ever gotten a ticket from burning wood on a no burn day as of yet.I can verify The AQMD rule 445 has banned the installation of new wood burning fireplaces in new construction to help clean up the air.Northern California which has worse air problems has had no burn days for awhile if its a smoggy day or inversion fog layer.The AQMD is trying to do away with firepits too.Serious about cleaning up the air?Start with all the cars,ships and factories!Leave my fireplace alone!

How does this affect those who burn wood in those small backyard metal fire pits? Theyre mainly for recreational use and not used everyday. And hypothetically, does that mean i cant build a small wall block fire pit in my backyard to accent my ongoing landscaping project? I live in the Commerce area of los angeles, btw.

Since thanksgiving, we have smelled something akin to wood burning. I thought it was just a holiday thing. But it has been happening every evening since thanksgiving. It is so strong that my roommate comes in from the outside and reeks of smoke. I also cannot leave any windows open at night anymore or the entire home smells of bbq minus the food. It even comes in when I run the heater so I usually just bundle up instead of running it. I don't even know who is doing this. I can smell the odor nearly a block away in my car as I approach my home. I am in Westchester, CA. It used to smell really nice out here with pleasant breezes. Now it just smells. What is my recourse?

Are wood-burning portable fire pits legal in Encino, CA? My neighbor burns his nearly every night, whether it's a beautiful 70 degrees out or 90 degrees. The smell is overwhelming and he has no consideration for his neighbors. It would be nice to open our windows again to catch a beautiful breeze.

I am buying a Manufactured home at the Summit in West Hills. Am I allowed to use the wood burning fire place for recreation or heating purposes?

Outlaw fire and get it over with.

Our neighbor in Canyon Country Ca. is killing us, literally. These people have a smokey fire burning in their fireplace 24/7. Their home is a million dollar + home. They are not burning for heat. The fire is a hobby, I guess. Bottom line, Most days I cannot even go out onto my patio & all our home's windows are closed tight & still the smoke gets into our home. Is there "Anything" I can do about this year + long problem ? Ed

Hi, I have a similar problem with neighbor's wood burning fireplaces. You can contact your local California AQMD Board and see if they have any capabilities for enforcement of Rule 445. https://www.arb.ca.gov/capcoa/roster.htm