Fire Regulations in Ontario, CA (2026)
7 verified fire regulations for Ontario, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pit Rules
Backyard fire pits, fire rings, chimineas, and barbecues are allowed in Ontario but must follow the 2022 California Fire Code. Barbecue/BBQ pits outside of buildings must be at least 15 feet from a structure, recreational fire pits must keep a 25-foot clearance from structures and combustibles, and the fire must be attended with extinguishing equipment available. Portable outdoor fireplaces and gas fire pits are the lower-smoke alternative.
Fire pits and BBQs: 2022 Fire Code setbacks apply
Some Restrictions2022 California Fire Code Sections 307.4, 307.4.2, and 307.5 (as quoted by City of Riverside Fire Dept Informational Bulletin 2022-024)
BBQ pits outside of buildings shall not be located within 15 feet of a structure. (CFC, Section 307.4)... Recreational fires are not to be wider than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high... Buckets, shovels, garden hoses or a water type fire extinguisher shall be readily available for use at recreational fires. (CFC, Section 307.5)
Fireworks
All fireworks - including state-approved 'safe and sane' fireworks sold in some neighboring cities - are illegal to use, possess, store, or sell anywhere in the City of Ontario. Possession and discharge are prohibited unless a permit is issued by the California State Fire Marshal and approved by the Ontario Fire Department, which is granted only to state-licensed pyrotechnicians.
All fireworks banned in Ontario; $1,000 fine
Heavy RestrictionsCal. Health & Safety Code section 12677
It is unlawful for any person to possess dangerous fireworks without holding a valid permit.
Brush Clearance
Ontario requires owners to keep lots free of dry weeds, brush, and rubbish under the municipal nuisance code and CA H and S 14875. Uncleared parcels are abated by city contractor at owner cost.
Ontario Brush and Weed Clearance
Some RestrictionsOutdoor Burning
Open burning to dispose of residential waste, leaves, brush, or trash is prohibited in Ontario. The city is in the South Coast Air Quality Management District, whose Rule 444 (Open Burning) expressly prohibits residential burning, and the Ontario Fire Prevention Bureau enforces the 2022 California Fire Code open-burning rules.
Residential open burning prohibited (SCAQMD Rule 444)
Heavy RestrictionsSCAQMD Rule 444 (Open Burning), subsections (d)(3) and (c)(28), amended July 12, 2013
(d)(3) A person is prohibited from open burning for: (A) Residential burning; (B) Disposal of waste, except as specified in (d)(2) above, including hospital waste; (C) Disposal of materials generated as a result of land use conversion for non-agricultural purposes... 'RESIDENTIAL BURNING means open burning for the purposes of disposing of combustible or flammable solid waste, excluding Russian ...
Wildfire Zones
Ontario sits on the valley floor and is not mapped in a CAL FIRE Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Chapter 7A ignition-resistant construction and PRC 4291 defensible space do not apply citywide.
Ontario Wildfire Hazard Zones
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Public Resources Code §§ 4201-4204; CCR Title 14 § 1280; Gov. Code §§ 51175-89 (CAL FIRE)
Fire Hazard Severity Zones. California's seasonally dry Mediterranean climate lends itself to wildfires, and in an effort to better prepare, CAL FIRE is required to classify the severity of fire hazard in areas of California. The History of Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps: Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps arose from major destructive fires, prompting the recognition of these areas and strategies t...
Smoke Detectors
Ontario enforces California H and S 13113.7 requiring smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every floor. 10-year sealed-battery or hardwired units are required on replacement.
Ontario Smoke Detector Rules
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Health and Safety Code § 13113.7 (Smoke Alarms)
Health and Safety Code - HSC. 13113.7. (a) (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, smoke alarms, approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Section 13114 at the time of installation, shall be installed, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions in each dwelling intended for human occupancy. (2) For all dwelling units intended for human occupancy for which a bui...
Backyard Fires
Small recreational backyard fires are allowed but tightly regulated under the 2022 California Fire Code, which Ontario adopts. A recreational fire may be no more than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high, must stay at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material, and must be constantly attended with fire-extinguishing equipment ready.
Recreational backyard fires limited by Fire Code
Some Restrictions2022 California Fire Code Sections 307.4.2 and 307.5 (as quoted by City of Riverside Fire Dept Informational Bulletin 2022-024)
Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material unless contained in a barbecue pit. Conditions, which could cause a fire to spread to within 25 feet of a structure, shall be eliminated prior to ignition. (CFC, Section 307.4.2)... A person knowledgeable in the use of fire-extinguishing equipment shall constantly attend recreational fires. An attend...
Looking for San Bernardino County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Ontario city rules.
Fire Regulations in San Bernardino County →