Outdoor Burning: Chino vs Hesperia
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Chino, CA and Hesperia, CA?
Chino and Hesperia have similar restriction levels.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
Chino sits within the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) basin, where SCAQMD Rule 444 prohibits virtually all open outdoor burning. Burning rubbish, leaves, yard waste, construction debris, or land-clearing material is banned year-round. Only narrow exemptions exist: code-compliant recreational fires (CFC §307.4.2), agricultural burning by special permit, prescribed fire by CVFD, and gas-fueled appliances. CVFD must issue an open-burning permit under CFC §105.6.30 for any allowed open burn.
View full Chino rules →Hesperia, CA
San Bernardino County
Open burning of trash, yard waste, and construction debris is prohibited in Hesperia under Mojave Desert AQMD Rule 444. Any agricultural or vegetation-waste burn requires both an MDAQMD clearance and a burn permit from San Bernardino County Fire. All open fires must be extinguished during Red Flag Warnings.
View full Hesperia rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Hesperia |
|---|---|---|
| Air district | South Coast AQMD — covers all of Chino | - |
| Rule | SCAQMD Rule 444 (Open Burning) — open burning generally prohibited | MDAQMD Rule 444 — Open Outdoor Fires |
| State law | California Fire Code §307.1 — no open burning without permit | - |
| Permit authority | Chino Valley Fire District (CFC §105.6.30) | - |
| Allowed without permit | Recreational fires per CFC §307.4.2; BBQ/cooking fires; gas appliances | - |
| Yard-waste disposal | City green-waste cart (no backyard burning) | - |
| Burn-day info | aqmd.gov / SCAQMD (888) 567-7622 | - |
| Air District | - | Mojave Desert AQMD (MDAQMD) |
| Trash Burning | - | Prohibited at all times |
| Burn Permit Issuer | - | San Bernardino County Fire |
| No-Burn Days | - | Set by CARB; permit invalid on those days |
| Recreational Fire Exception | - | Clean wood, propane, natural gas allowed |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Can I burn leaves or yard waste in my yard?
No. SCAQMD Rule 444 bans open burning of leaves, branches, grass clippings, and rubbish throughout the South Coast basin, which includes Chino. Use your city green-waste cart instead. A small code-compliant recreational fire with seasoned firewood is allowed under CFC §307.4.2, but you may not burn yard waste in it.
Do I need a permit to burn brush after clearing my lot?
Yes, and it is rarely granted in the urbanized parts of Chino. You must apply to Chino Valley Fire District under CFC §105.6.30 and the burn can only occur on a SCAQMD-declared burn day. Most owners chip and haul instead — open burning is treated as a last resort.
Is my propane or natural-gas patio heater regulated as open burning?
No. Gas-fueled appliances are exempt from SCAQMD Rule 444 and are regulated as fixed or portable appliances under California Fire Code Chapter 6. They are also exempt from SCAQMD Rule 445 No-Burn Days.
Hesperia FAQ
Can I burn yard waste in Hesperia?
Generally no. MDAQMD Rule 444 prohibits open burning of trash, debris, and most yard waste. Use the city's green-waste collection. Limited agricultural/vegetation burning may be allowed with both an MDAQMD clearance and a SB County Fire burn permit, valid only on CARB permissive-burn days.
Who issues burn permits in Hesperia?
San Bernardino County Fire Protection District issues burn permits. MDAQMD does NOT issue burn permits — it provides air-quality clearance separately.
Can I burn during a Red Flag Warning?
No. All open fires (other than propane or natural gas) must be extinguished during Red Flag Warnings or when directed by SB County Fire personnel.
What's the penalty for illegal burning?
MDAQMD civil penalties for Rule 444 violations, plus possible Cal. HSC §41700 air-nuisance citations. Negligent fires that escape can lead to criminal charges under PRC §4421-4423 and suppression-cost liability.
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