Outdoor Burning: Chino vs San Bernardino
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Chino, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Chino and San Bernardino 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 →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
Open burning of yard waste, construction debris, and trash is prohibited in San Bernardino under SCAQMD Rule 444 and county fire rules. Only small recreational cooking or warming fires are allowed.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Air district ban | - | SCAQMD Rule 444 bans open burning in San Bernardino |
| Recreational only | - | Small cooking or warming fires up to 3 ft allowed |
| Burn barrels | - | Prohibited outright for residential waste |
| No-Burn days | - | SCAQMD wood-smoke rules restrict indoor wood burning |
| Penalties | - | Air district civil fines plus county fire citations |
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.
San Bernardino FAQ
Can I burn yard trimmings in San Bernardino?
No. SCAQMD Rule 444 prohibits open burning of vegetative or other waste; use the city green-waste container instead.
Are burn barrels allowed for construction scrap?
No. Burn barrels and debris burning are banned, and violations can trigger SCAQMD civil penalties plus county fire citations.
Is agricultural burning permitted anywhere near the city?
Only on working farms with a daily permit from the Air Pollution Control District on a permissive burn day; residential lots do not qualify.
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