How San Bernardino Handles Fire Regulations: A Practical Guide
San Bernardino maintains 115 local ordinances across all categories, and 7 of those deal specifically with fire regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where San Bernardino falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Fireworks
All fireworks, including Safe and Sane, are illegal inside the City of San Bernardino. Possession, sale, or discharge of any firework carries administrative fines starting at 1,250 dollars.
Key details: Citywide ban: All fireworks prohibited under SBMC Chapter 8.60 including Safe and Sane. First-offense fine: 1,250 dollars administrative citation. Repeat fines: Up to 3,000 dollars for third offense within 12 months. Social host rule: Property owner or tenant liable for guest-discharged fireworks. Only exception: Permitted professional pyrotechnic displays by licensed operators.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is one of the stricter rules in San Bernardino's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Wildfire Zones
The northern San Bernardino foothills are mapped by CAL FIRE as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. VHFHSZ parcels must meet PRC 4291 defensible space and Chapter 7A wildfire construction rules.
Key details: Legal framework: CA PRC 4202 and Gov Code 51178 FHSZ mapping. Primary zone: VHFHSZ covers northern foothills and Waterman Canyon areas. Construction rules: CBC Chapter 7A ignition-resistant materials required. Seller disclosure: Civil Code 1103 VHFHSZ disclosure mandatory at sale. Insurance impact: VHFHSZ mapping drives carrier non-renewals and FAIR Plan use.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. San Bernardino actively enforces its wildfire zones requirements.
Backyard Fires
Backyard recreational fires in San Bernardino must meet California Fire Code size and fuel rules, stay 25 feet from structures, and are banned during Red Flag Warnings or high fire danger periods.
Key details: Size limit: 3 ft wide by 2 ft tall for wood recreational fires. Approved fuel: Seasoned wood or charcoal only; no trash or treated lumber. Minimum clearance: 25 ft from structures for open wood fires. Attendance: Responsible adult with water or extinguisher required. Red Flag days: All open-flame fires banned on Red Flag or High Fire Danger days.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Outdoor Burning
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.
Key details: 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.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. San Bernardino actively enforces its outdoor burning requirements.
Brush Clearance
Foothill Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone properties must maintain 100 feet of defensible space under California PRC 4291. San Bernardino County Fire conducts annual hazard inspections each spring.
Key details: Legal authority: California PRC 4291 defensible space law. Clearance distance: 100 ft around structures in VHFHSZ areas. Zone 0 rule: 0 to 5 ft ember-resistant zone required under AB 3074. Inspection window: Annual hazard inspections April through June. Non-compliance: County abates and liens property for work plus admin fees.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is one of the stricter rules in San Bernardino's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Smoke Detectors
San Bernardino dwellings must have working smoke alarms in every sleeping room and on every level under CA H&S 13113.7, plus CO alarms in homes with fuel appliances or attached garages.
Key details: Smoke alarm law: CA H&S 13113.7 requires alarms in every bedroom and level. CO alarm law: CA H&S 13262 requires CO alarms when fuel appliance or attached garage. Battery rule: Replacement alarms must be 10-year sealed battery units. Sale or remodel: Alarms must be upgraded to current code at transfer or major remodel. Habitability: Missing alarms are a rental defect under Civil Code 1941.1.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. San Bernardino actively enforces its smoke detectors requirements.
Fire Pit Rules
San Bernardino allows residential fire pits under strict size, fuel, and clearance rules enforced by San Bernardino County Fire. Recreational fires must be small and fueled by clean wood.
Key details: Max wood fire size: 3 ft diameter and 2 ft tall under CFC 307. Structure clearance: 25 ft from structures; 15 ft for portable fireplaces. Attendance rule: Adult plus charged hose or extinguisher required at all times. Red Flag ban: All open burning prohibited during Red Flag Warnings. Gas appliances: Listed propane and natural gas fire pits generally permitted year-round.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The Bottom Line
San Bernardino is tougher than many cities when it comes to fire regulations. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 5 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in San Bernardino, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
Keep in mind that San Bernardino can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.