Outdoor Burning: Rialto vs San Bernardino
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Rialto, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Rialto and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
Open burning of yard waste, trash, or vegetation is prohibited in Rialto under both Cal. Fire Code §307 (adopted by Rialto Mun. Code Ch. 15.28) and South Coast AQMD Rule 444 (Open Burning). The only legal outdoor combustion is a small attended recreational fire meeting CFC §307.4.2 limits, BBQ/grilling, and gas/propane appliances.
View full Rialto 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 | Rialto | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Open burning of waste | Prohibited (CFC §307.1.1 + SCAQMD Rule 444) | - |
| Recreational fires | Allowed under CFC §307.4.2 limits | - |
| BBQ / grilling | Allowed (no permit) | - |
| Winter no-burn days | SCAQMD Rule 445 (wood only) | - |
| Air district | South Coast AQMD (909-396-2000) | - |
| 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.
Rialto FAQ
Can I burn yard waste or leaves in Rialto?
No. Open burning of vegetation, leaves, and yard waste is prohibited under SCAQMD Rule 444 and CFC §307.1.1. Use city green-waste collection instead.
Can I burn construction debris on a job site?
No. SCAQMD Rule 444 prohibits open burning of construction debris in the South Coast Basin. Haul to a permitted disposal facility.
Is a charcoal BBQ considered open burning?
No. Cooking fires in a portable BBQ, grill, or smoker are exempt from open-burning rules so long as they are attended and contained.
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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