Backyard Fires: Chino vs Fontana
How do backyard fires rules compare between Chino, CA and Fontana, CA?
Fontana has fewer restrictions than Chino.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
Backyard recreational fires in unincorporated San Bernardino County must comply with California Fire Code Section 307: portable fire pits must be at least 15 feet from structures (3 feet for containers under 1 cubic foot), use clean dry wood only, be attended at all times, and have water/extinguisher ready. All fires prohibited on Red Flag days and in designated fire-restricted areas.
View full Chino rules →Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
Small recreational backyard fires in Fontana are legal with clean wood, propane, or manufactured logs. Keep 10 feet from structures, keep water handy, and obey SCAQMD no-burn days.
View full Fontana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Clearance | 15 ft from structures | - |
| Small Device | 3 ft clearance | - |
| Max Size | 3 ft diameter / 2 ft high | - |
| Red Flag | No burns allowed | - |
| Fuel | Clean dry wood only | - |
| Maximum fuel area | - | 3 feet diameter by 2 feet height per Fire Code Sec. 307 |
| Structure setback | - | 10 feet for open pits, 15 feet for portable fireplaces |
| Supervision | - | Adult must remain with the fire until fully extinguished |
| Approved fuel | - | Clean firewood, charcoal, propane, natural gas |
| Winter limits | - | No wood burning on SCAQMD no-burn days |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Can I have a backyard fire pit in unincorporated San Bernardino County?
Yes, with California Fire Code 307 compliance: 15 feet from structures (3 feet for small devices under 1 cu ft fuel area), clean dry wood only, attended at all times, water/extinguisher present, and never during a Red Flag warning or in designated fire restriction zones.
Are propane fire pits treated differently?
Yes. Propane and natural gas fire pits are generally allowed without a permit and have lower clearance requirements because they have no embers or sparks. They are often permitted during periods when wood burns are suspended, though local fire district rules in high-hazard zones can vary.
Fontana FAQ
Can I have a backyard fire in Fontana tonight?
Yes if the pit meets setback and supervision rules and, during November through February, the SCAQMD forecast does not declare a no-burn day.
Does my gas fire table count as a regulated fire?
Gas-fueled features meet fire code rules if installed to manufacturer specs and are exempt from SCAQMD Rule 445 wood-burning restrictions.
My neighbor complained about smoke - can SBCoFD shut down my fire?
Yes. Fire officials can order any recreational fire extinguished if it creates a nuisance or health hazard under the California Fire Code.
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