Outdoor Burning: Chino vs Rialto
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Chino, CA and Rialto, CA?
Chino and Rialto 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 →Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
Open burning of yard waste, trash, or vegetation is prohibited in Rialto under both Cal. Fire Code §307 (adopted by Rialto Mun. Code Ch. 15.28) and South Coast AQMD Rule 444 (Open Burning). The only legal outdoor combustion is a small attended recreational fire meeting CFC §307.4.2 limits, BBQ/grilling, and gas/propane appliances.
View full Rialto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| Air district | South Coast AQMD — covers all of Chino | South Coast AQMD (909-396-2000) |
| 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 | - |
| Open burning of waste | - | Prohibited (CFC §307.1.1 + SCAQMD Rule 444) |
| Recreational fires | - | Allowed under CFC §307.4.2 limits |
| BBQ / grilling | - | Allowed (no permit) |
| Winter no-burn days | - | SCAQMD Rule 445 (wood only) |
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.
Rialto FAQ
Can I burn yard waste or leaves in Rialto?
No. Open burning of vegetation, leaves, and yard waste is prohibited under SCAQMD Rule 444 and CFC §307.1.1. Use city green-waste collection instead.
Can I burn construction debris on a job site?
No. SCAQMD Rule 444 prohibits open burning of construction debris in the South Coast Basin. Haul to a permitted disposal facility.
Is a charcoal BBQ considered open burning?
No. Cooking fires in a portable BBQ, grill, or smoker are exempt from open-burning rules so long as they are attended and contained.
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