Upland, CA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

Upland sits in the San Bernardino Valley, which falls under the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD). South Coast AQMD prohibits residential open burning throughout the San Bernardino Valley area; only narrow categories such as approved agricultural burning, recreational fires fueled by natural gas or propane, and portable outdoor fireplaces with approved spark arrestors are allowed in the region. The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District (SBCFPD) — which has served as the City of Upland's fire department since 2017 and whose Fire Code Upland adopts in Municipal Code Chapter 8.28 — states plainly on its outdoor fire safety guidance that 'ALL RESIDENTIAL BURNING IS PROHIBITED.' That means you cannot burn yard waste, leaves, brush piles, construction debris, or trash in the open. What is allowed is a controlled recreational fire: only clean, dry wood or charcoal may be used (with a permit), or a propane/natural-gas fire ring (no permit). 'Trash shall not be burned in a recreational fire.' Any allowed fire must be attended by a responsible adult 18 or older until extinguished. Because Upland's northern foothills are in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, no-burn restrictions are especially important there. Upland has no separate municipal ordinance loosening these rules — the controlling authorities are South Coast AQMD and the SBCFPD Fire Code.