Outdoor Burning: Rancho Cucamonga vs San Bernardino
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Rancho Cucamonga, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Rancho Cucamonga and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
San Bernardino County
Open burning of vegetation or debris is prohibited in Rancho Cucamonga. Only recreational cooking fires, permitted ceremonial fires, and approved gas appliances are allowed under SCAQMD and RCFPD rules.
View full Rancho Cucamonga 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 | Rancho Cucamonga | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Residential debris burning | Prohibited, no permits issued in SCAQMD basin | - |
| Recreational cooking | Allowed per Fire Code 307 with 10 ft clearance | - |
| Burn barrels | Prohibited citywide | Prohibited outright for residential waste |
| Red flag days | RCFPD may ban all open flames in foothill areas | - |
| Yard waste disposal | Burrtec green cart, not burning | - |
| Air district ban | - | SCAQMD Rule 444 bans open burning in San Bernardino |
| Recreational only | - | Small cooking or warming fires up to 3 ft allowed |
| 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.
Rancho Cucamonga FAQ
Can I burn palm fronds or tumbleweeds in my yard?
No. All vegetation and debris burning is prohibited. Place palm fronds in green waste or arrange a bulky pickup with Burrtec.
Can I have a bonfire in Alta Loma?
Only with an RCFPD ceremonial or special event permit, and never on red flag warning days. Recreational fire pits under Fire Code 307 are allowed with proper setbacks.
Who regulates air quality in Rancho Cucamonga?
The South Coast Air Quality Management District covers the entire Inland Empire. Call 1-800-CUT-SMOG to report excessive smoke or illegal burning.
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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