Fire Regulations in Chino, CA (2026)
6 verified fire regulations for Chino, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pit Rules
Chino Valley Fire Protection District enforces the California Fire Code (CFC) as adopted under CVFD Ordinance 2022-01 and amended by Ordinance 2025-01 (effective Sept. 1, 2025). CFC Section 307.4.2 limits recreational fires to a pile no larger than 3 ft in diameter and 2 ft in height, set back at least 25 ft from any structure or combustible material. Portable outdoor fireplaces must be at least 15 ft from structures. South Coast AQMD Rule 444 also limits open burning, and SCAQMD seasonal No-Burn Days (Rule 445) restrict wood-burning in the South Coast basin, which includes Chino.
Recreational Fires & Backyard Fire Pits in Chino
Some RestrictionsFireworks
Chino is one of the few Inland Empire cities that still permits Safe-and-Sane fireworks. Under Chino Municipal Code Chapter 8.12, State-Fire-Marshal-approved Safe-and-Sane fireworks may be sold from noon July 1 through 9:00 p.m. July 4, and discharged within residential zones from purchase through midnight July 4. All other fireworks (aerial, exploding, sky rockets) are illegal under California Health & Safety Code §12500 et seq. Improper Safe-and-Sane use carries a $500 fine; illegal-fireworks possession or use is a $1,000 fine and potentially a misdemeanor.
Safe and Sane Fireworks Allowed in Chino — Limited Dates & Zones
Some RestrictionsBrush Clearance
Properties in Chino's High and Very-High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) — primarily parcels adjacent to the Chino Hills State Park / Puente-Chino Hills wildlife corridor — must maintain 100 feet of defensible space under California Public Resources Code §4291 and CVFD Ordinance 2022-01. Citywide, all parcels must control weeds, dry grass, and combustible vegetation as a fire and public-nuisance hazard. CVFD conducts inspections in late spring, summer, and fall; non-compliance triggers fees, fines, and forced clearance by the district's contractor with costs lien-assessed to the parcel.
Defensible Space & Weed Abatement in Chino
Some RestrictionsOutdoor Burning
Chino sits within the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) basin, where SCAQMD Rule 444 prohibits virtually all open outdoor burning. Burning rubbish, leaves, yard waste, construction debris, or land-clearing material is banned year-round. Only narrow exemptions exist: code-compliant recreational fires (CFC §307.4.2), agricultural burning by special permit, prescribed fire by CVFD, and gas-fueled appliances. CVFD must issue an open-burning permit under CFC §105.6.30 for any allowed open burn.
Outdoor & Open Burning — Generally Prohibited in Chino
Heavy RestrictionsWildfire Zones
Under California Government Code §51178–§51182 and CVFD Ordinance 2025-01 (effective September 1, 2025), CAL FIRE designates Fire Hazard Severity Zones in Chino. While most of the urbanized city is outside any FHSZ, parcels along the southern and western edges — particularly those near the Puente-Chino Hills wildlife corridor and adjacent to Chino Hills State Park (>7,300 acres of Very High FHSZ) — fall into Moderate, High, or Very-High zones. Owners in High/Very-High FHSZ must maintain PRC §4291 defensible space, build to Chapter 7A WUI standards on new construction, and provide Natural Hazard Disclosures on sale (Civil Code §1103).
Chino Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) & WUI
Some RestrictionsPropane Storage
Propane (LPG) storage in Chino is regulated by the California Fire Code Chapter 61 (Liquefied Petroleum Gases) as adopted by CVFD Ordinance 2022-01, plus NFPA 58. Cylinders ≤2.5 lb water capacity may be stored anywhere; 1–4 cylinders ≤20 lb (BBQ-size) are permitted at residences but must be kept outdoors away from ignition sources; aggregate residential storage >720 lb (about 175 gallons) requires CFC §105.6.20 permit. Permanent tanks (e.g., 250–500 gallon ASME tanks) have minimum setbacks of 10 ft from any building or property line.
Residential Propane (LPG) Storage in Chino
Some RestrictionsLooking for San Bernardino County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Chino city rules.
Fire Regulations in San Bernardino County →