Outdoor Burning: Fontana vs Rialto
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Fontana, CA and Rialto, CA?
Fontana and Rialto 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 →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 | Fontana | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Allowed under CFC §307.4.2 limits |
| 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 | - |
| Open burning of waste | - | Prohibited (CFC §307.1.1 + SCAQMD Rule 444) |
| BBQ / grilling | - | Allowed (no permit) |
| Winter no-burn days | - | SCAQMD Rule 445 (wood only) |
| Air district | - | South Coast AQMD (909-396-2000) |
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.
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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