Outdoor Burning: Chino vs Ontario
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Chino, CA and Ontario, CA?
Chino and Ontario 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 →Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Open burning of yard waste, trash, or debris is banned in Ontario under the adopted California Fire Code and SCAQMD Rule 444. Only recreational fires in approved pits and BBQ cooking are allowed.
View full Ontario rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Air district | South Coast AQMD — covers all of Chino | - |
| Rule | SCAQMD Rule 444 (Open Burning) — open burning generally prohibited | - |
| 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 | - |
| SCAQMD rule | - | Rule 444 prohibits open burning |
| Allowed | - | Recreational wood fires and BBQs only |
| Prohibited | - | Leaves, trash, debris, tires |
| No-burn days | - | All wood fires suspended |
| SCAQMD tip line | - | 1-800-CUT-SMOG |
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.
Ontario FAQ
Can I burn yard clippings in Ontario?
No. SCAQMD Rule 444 and the local fire code both ban open burning of leaves, brush, and yard waste. Use green waste bins for disposal.
Does the no-burn day rule apply to gas fire pits?
No-burn day advisories specifically target wood smoke. Natural gas and propane fire features are allowed to operate on no-burn days.
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