Outdoor Burning: Fontana vs Hesperia
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Fontana, CA and Hesperia, CA?
Fontana and Hesperia have similar restriction levels.
Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
Open burning of leaves, yard waste, and trash is banned in Fontana under SCAQMD Rule 444. Only small recreational campfires, grills, and gas fires are allowed, subject to Rule 445 no-burn days.
View full Fontana 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 | Fontana | Hesperia |
|---|---|---|
| Open burning status | Banned for leaves, trash, and yard waste under SCAQMD Rule 444 | - |
| Recreational fires | Small campfires and grills allowed with 10 foot clearance | - |
| Check Before You Burn | SCAQMD Rule 445 no-burn days Nov 1 to last day of February | - |
| Gas fires | Allowed year-round, exempt from Rule 445 | - |
| Enforcement | SBCoFD, SCAQMD inspectors, Fontana Code Enforcement | - |
| Air District | - | Mojave Desert AQMD (MDAQMD) |
| Rule | - | MDAQMD Rule 444 — Open Outdoor Fires |
| 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.
Fontana FAQ
Can I burn leaves and yard waste in Fontana?
No. SCAQMD Rule 444 and Fontana fire regulations prohibit burning landscape debris - leaves and clippings must be placed in the green waste cart.
Is a small campfire legal in my Fontana backyard?
Yes for small recreational fires in a proper pit with clean wood, 10-foot clearance, and supervision - but check the SCAQMD Check Before You Burn status during winter.
How do I check if today is a no-burn day?
Visit aqmd.gov or call the SCAQMD Check Before You Burn hotline; the forecast updates daily November through February.
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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