Outdoor Burning: Fontana vs Ontario
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Fontana, CA and Ontario, CA?
Fontana and Ontario 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 →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 | Fontana | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| 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.
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.
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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