Outdoor Burning: Jurupa Valley vs Mead Valley
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Jurupa Valley, CA and Mead Valley, CA?
Jurupa Valley and Mead Valley have similar restriction levels.
Jurupa Valley, CA
Riverside County
Residential open burning of yard waste and debris is prohibited in Jurupa Valley under South Coast AQMD Rule 444 and the city's adopted fire code. Only limited agricultural and tumbleweed burns qualify for permits, and CAL FIRE suspended residential burn permits countywide effective May 1, 2026.
View full Jurupa Valley rules →Mead Valley, CA
Riverside County
Open burning in unincorporated Riverside County requires both a Fire Department permit and air-district authorization. Under the California Fire Code (Ord. 787) open burning must stay 50 feet from structures; bonfires 50 feet. The South Coast AQMD (Rule 444) requires a daily Burn Authorization Number on a declared Burn Day. Residential trash and yard-waste burning is heavily restricted or prohibited.
View full Mead Valley rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Jurupa Valley | Mead Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Residential debris burning | Prohibited (SCAQMD Rule 444(d)(3)) | - |
| Agricultural burning | Tumbleweeds only, permit required | - |
| Burn authorization | SCAQMD BAN, call 909-396-3403 | - |
| Allowed hours | 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM | - |
| Current status | Burn permits suspended May 1, 2026 | - |
| Fire Dept permit | - | Required for open burning (CFC 307.2, Ord. 787) |
| Open burning setback | - | 50 ft from structures (CFC 307.4); bonfires 50 ft (CFC 307.4.1) |
| Air-district authorization | - | SCAQMD Rule 444 — daily Burn Authorization Number required on a Burn Day |
| Agricultural waste | - | Must be dry, trash-free, >1,000 ft from sensitive receptors (Rule 444) |
| Seasonal suspension | - | Residential burn permits commonly suspended during fire season |
| Attendance | - | Constantly attended with 4-A extinguisher or water/dirt (CFC 307.5) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Jurupa Valley FAQ
Can I burn leaves or branches in my Jurupa Valley yard?
No. Residential burning of landscape debris is prohibited by SCAQMD Rule 444, and CAL FIRE suspended residential burn permits countywide on May 1, 2026. Chip, compost, or haul green waste instead.
Does any open burning remain legal?
Only narrow categories such as agricultural tumbleweed burns with a fire department Permit to Burn and a SCAQMD Burn Authorization Number, on a permissive burn day, during allowed morning hours.
Can I burn trash or construction debris?
Never. Rule 444 prohibits open burning for disposal of waste, and the fire code bars fires producing offensive smoke or hazardous conditions. Violators face district penalties and cost recovery.
Mead Valley FAQ
Can I burn yard waste or trash in my backyard in unincorporated Riverside County?
Generally no. Open burning requires a Fire Department permit (California Fire Code 307.2) and separate air-district authorization. In the South Coast AQMD, residential and agricultural burning is governed by Rule 444 — you must get a daily Burn Authorization Number and burn only on a declared Burn Day. Residential burn permits are frequently suspended entirely during fire season, and burning household trash is not permitted.
How do I find out if today is a legal burn day?
For the South Coast AQMD area, you must obtain a Burn Authorization Number on the Burn Line (the AQMD lists the number on its Rule 444 page) before 4:00 p.m. the day before you intend to burn, and burning is only allowed on a declared Burn Day. You also need approval from Riverside County Fire first.
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