Fire Regulations in Rialto, CA (2026)
6 verified fire regulations for Rialto, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
Gas and propane fire pits and charcoal barbecues are exempt from regional burn rules in Rialto. Wood-burning fire pits must qualify as recreational fires under the California Fire Code: no more than 3 feet across and 2 feet high, kept 25 feet from structures, and constantly attended.
Fire pits in Rialto: gas OK, wood recreational fires limited
Some RestrictionsSouth Coast AQMD Rule 444(h)(6); 2025 California Fire Code secs. 307.4.2, 307.4.3, 307.5, adopted by Rialto Municipal Code Ch. 15.28
Except for the requirements of subparagraph (d)(3) and (d)(4), the provisions of this rule shall not apply to: (A) Recreational fires or ceremonial fires, including fires conducted pursuant to United States Code, Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 8. (B) Open burning of natural gas, propane, untreated wood, or charcoal for the purpose of: (i) Preparation or warming of food for human consumption; or (i...
Fireworks
Rialto is one of the few San Bernardino County cities that allows state-approved safe and sane fireworks. Municipal Code section 5.20.010 limits sale and discharge to the window from noon June 28 through midnight July 6, and all dangerous fireworks are banned.
Safe and sane fireworks allowed in Rialto July 4 week
Heavy RestrictionsRialto Municipal Code sec. 5.20.010 (Ord. 1316, 2001)
Safe and sane fireworks shall not be sold or discharged within the City of Rialto at any time other than during the period beginning at twelve noon on June 28th and ending at twelve midnight July 6th each year.
Brush Clearance
Rialto runs citywide weed abatement inspections twice a year, in April and October. Weeds or dry grass over 4 inches must be cleared, flammable vegetation removed at least 30 feet around structures, and unabated lots are cleared by a city contractor with the cost liened against the property.
Weed abatement and brush clearance rules in Rialto
Light RestrictionsRialto Ord. No. 1706 (2025), amending 2025 California Fire Code sec. 304.1.3; Rialto Municipal Code Ch. 15.28
304.1.3 Vegetation. Weeds, grass, vines, or other growth that is capable of being ignited and endangering property, shall be cut down and removed by the owner or occupant of the premises. Vegetation clearance requirements in urban-wildfire interface or intermix areas identified by Cal Fires Fire and Resource Assessment Program (FRAP) within the jurisdiction of the City of Rialto Local Responsib...
Outdoor Burning
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.
Open burning strictly prohibited citywide in Rialto
Some RestrictionsRialto Ord. No. 1706 (2025), amending 2025 California Fire Code sec. 307.1.1; Rialto Municipal Code Ch. 15.28
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.
Wildfire Zones
Rialto adopted the State Fire Marshal's updated 2025 fire hazard severity zone maps, which place parts of the city in Moderate, High, or Very High zones. Very High zone properties must maintain 100 feet of defensible space and meet home-hardening and disclosure rules.
Fire hazard severity zones and defensible space in Rialto
Some RestrictionsRialto Ord. No. 1706 (2025), adding 2025 California Fire Code sec. 304.5; Rialto Municipal Code Ch. 15.28
304.5 Clearance of brush or vegetation growth from structures. Persons owning, leasing, controlling, operating, or maintaining buildings or structures in, upon or adjoining hazardous fire areas (FRAP-LRA very high fire hazard severity zone) and persons owning, leasing or controlling land adjacent to such building(s) or structure(s), shall at all times maintain an effective firebreak or fuel mod...
Smoke Detectors
Any interior work permit in Rialto valued over $1,000 triggers a mandatory smoke detector upgrade to current California Building Code standards. Section 15.04.010 of the Municipal Code ties life-safety compliance to the building permit process rather than a standalone inspection program, and the same permits require GFCI-compliant electrical outlet upgrades wherever new or altered electrical service is involved.
Rialto Smoke Detector Upgrade on $1,000+ Permits
Some RestrictionsRialto Municipal Code Sec. 15.04.010(B)(1), (C)
Unless waived by resolution of the city council, the issuance of any permit for interior work, when the total value of said alteration exceeds one thousand dollars, the following shall be required within the scope of work:1.Smoke detectors shall be upgraded to meet current California Building Code requirements.C.Every owner, lessee, occupant, or person having charge of any property or premises ...
Looking for San Bernardino County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Rialto city rules.
Fire Regulations in San Bernardino County →