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