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