Rialto, CA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Rialto, CA, also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance, set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Key Facts
- Open burning
- Strictly prohibited citywide
- Yard waste / trash burning
- Illegal (city code and SCAQMD Rule 444)
- Exempt fires
- Cooking/warming fires with clean fuels
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor, up to $1,000 and 180 days
- Cost recovery
- HSC 13009 suppression cost liability
Summary
Rialto's local fire code amendment flatly prohibits open burning anywhere in the city, and South Coast AQMD Rule 444 separately bans residential burning of waste throughout the air basin. Only contained cooking and warming fires using clean fuels are exempt.
29. Chapter 3 Section 307.1.1 Prohibited Open Burning - is hereby amended to read as follows: 307.1.1 Prohibited Open Burning - Open burning is strictly prohibited within the City of Rialto. ... 68. Chapter 33 Section 3305.4 Open Burning is hereby amended to read as follows: Section 3305.4 Open burning. Open burning is strictly prohibited.
Full Breakdown
28. Ordinance No. 1 to state that open burning is strictly prohibited within the City of Rialto. The prior chapter (Ordinance No. 4). On top of the city prohibition, Rialto sits in the South Coast Air Quality Management District, whose Rule 444 (Open Burning) prohibits residential burning, defined as open burning to dispose of combustible or flammable solid waste from a residence on its premises, and bars any open burning without a declared permissive burn day, a written permit, and a district burn authorization. Rule 444(h)(6) exempts only recreational and ceremonial fires and the burning of natural gas, propane, untreated wood, or charcoal to cook food or generate warmth at a social gathering.
Violations & Fines
Violating Rialto's fire code is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment up to 180 days, or both, with each day counting as a separate offense (RMC 15.28.040; amended CFC section 113.4). The city also recovers fire suppression and emergency response costs from responsible parties under Health and Safety Code sections 13009 and 13009.1. SCAQMD can separately pursue civil penalties for Rule 444 violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn leaves, brush, or trash in my yard in Rialto?
Does the open burning ban cover barbecues and propane fire pits?
Who enforces the burning rules in Rialto?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rialto
How Rialto compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Rialto to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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Outdoor Burning in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle outdoor burning.