Outdoor Burning: Hesperia vs Ontario
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Hesperia, CA and Ontario, CA?
Hesperia and Ontario have similar restriction levels.
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 →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 | Hesperia | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| 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.
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.
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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