Backyard fires in Rialto are legal only as contained cooking or warming fires burning clean fuels such as propane, natural gas, charcoal, or untreated wood. Burning rubbish, yard waste, or debris is residential burning, which is prohibited by both the city fire code and SCAQMD Rule 444.
South Coast AQMD Rule 444 defines residential burning as open burning to dispose of combustible or flammable solid waste from a residence on its premises, and flatly prohibits it (Rule 444(d)(3)). Rialto goes further: Ordinance No. 1706 amends California Fire Code section 307.1.1 so that open burning is strictly prohibited within the City of Rialto. What remains legal in a backyard are contained fires in chimineas, portable fire bowls, manufactured fire pits, and barbecues, because Rule 444(h)(6) exempts recreational fires and burning natural gas, propane, untreated wood, or charcoal to prepare food or generate warmth at a social gathering, and the fire code treats such contained fires as distinct from open burning. Wood-burning devices should stay within the recreational-fire limits of the adopted California Fire Code: 3-foot maximum diameter, 2-foot maximum height, 25 feet from structures (15 feet for portable outdoor fireplaces), constant attendance, and immediate extinguishment if ordered by the fire department. During high-wind or red flag conditions the Rialto Fire Department can order all outdoor fires discontinued.
Burning trash or yard waste in a backyard is a fire code misdemeanor under RMC 15.28.040 (up to $1,000 fine and 180 days, each day a separate offense) and exposes the resident to SCAQMD civil penalties and fire suppression cost recovery under Health and Safety Code section 13009 if the fire spreads.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Rialto, CA
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Rialto, CA
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Rialto, CA
Rialto caps household pets at four weaned dogs and cats combined, and no more than three of them may be dogs. The limit appears in Rialto Municipal Code Sect...
Rialto, CA
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Rialto, CA
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Rialto, CA
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