Outdoor Burning: El Monte vs Pomona
How do outdoor burning rules compare between El Monte, CA and Pomona, CA?
El Monte and Pomona have similar restriction levels.
El Monte, CA
Los Angeles County
Open outdoor burning of trash, leaves, brush, or construction debris is effectively banned in El Monte: South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 444 prohibits open burning in the South Coast Air Basin without an AQMD permit, and California Fire Code Section 307 (adopted by EMMC Chapter 15.34) bans recreational rubbish burning.
View full El Monte rules →Pomona, CA
Los Angeles County
Open burning is prohibited in Pomona under the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 444 and the California Fire Code adopted in Chapter 22. Recreational fire pits may be used with restrictions.
View full Pomona rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Monte | Pomona |
|---|---|---|
| Open burning permitted? | No - prohibited by SCAQMD Rule 444 and CFC 307.1.1 | - |
| Recreational fires | Allowed under CFC 307.4.2 with restrictions | - |
| Maximum criminal fine (CFC 109.4.1) | $1,000 + up to 6 months jail | - |
| AQMD civil penalty cap | Up to $11,710/day (H&SC 42402) | - |
| Permit authority | SCAQMD Open Burn Program + LA County Fire Code Official | - |
| Code Section | - | Ch. 22 (Fire Prevention); SCAQMD Rule 444 |
| Open Burning | - | Prohibited |
| Fire Pits | - | Allowed with restrictions |
| Air District | - | SCAQMD |
| Fire Dept | - | (909) 620-2321 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
El Monte FAQ
Can I burn leaves or yard waste in my El Monte backyard?
No. SCAQMD Rule 444 prohibits residential open burning of leaves, branches, paper, and trash anywhere in the South Coast Air Basin (which includes all of LA County). Yard waste goes in the green organics cart for collection.
Can I burn construction debris on a job site?
No. Open burning of construction debris is prohibited by SCAQMD Rule 444 and California Fire Code Section 307.1.1 as adopted by EMMC Chapter 15.34. Demolition and construction debris must be disposed of through licensed haulers.
What about a ceremonial bonfire?
A bonfire (anything larger than the 3-foot recreational fire limit in CFC 307.4.2) requires an open-burning permit from the fire code official under CFC Section 105.6.30 and, if not an exempt religious/ceremonial fire, separate SCAQMD authorization. Permits are rarely issued for residential bonfires in El Monte.
Pomona FAQ
Can I burn yard waste in Pomona?
No. Open burning of yard waste is prohibited by SCAQMD Rule 444. All green waste must be disposed of through the city's waste collection services.
Are fire pits allowed in Pomona?
Manufactured gas or charcoal fire pits may be used in approved containers, maintaining required setbacks from structures and observing SCAQMD no-burn days.
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