Fire Pit Rules: Chino vs Fontana
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Chino, CA and Fontana, CA?
Chino and Fontana have similar restriction levels.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
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.
View full Chino rules →Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
Fontana allows residential fire pits under the California Fire Code, but pits must be 10 feet from structures and SCAQMD Rule 445 limits wood burning on winter no-burn days.
View full Fontana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | Chino Valley Fire District (CVFD) — CFC adopted via CVFD Ord. 2022-01 & 2025-01 | - |
| Recreational fire size | ≤3 ft diameter, ≤2 ft height (CFC §307.4.2) | - |
| Setback from structures | 25 ft open fire; 15 ft portable outdoor fireplace | Minimum 10 feet under California Fire Code Sec. 307 |
| No-Burn Days | SCAQMD Rule 445 (Nov–Feb wood-burn restrictions in South Coast basin) | - |
| Permitted fuel | Seasoned firewood or manufactured logs only; no rubbish/yard waste | - |
| Contact | CVFD Community Risk Reduction: (909) 902-5280 | - |
| Extinguishing source | - | Charged hose or 4-A extinguisher required on site |
| Air quality check | - | SCAQMD Rule 445 no-burn days Nov 1 to end of February |
| Approved fuel | - | Propane, natural gas, or Rule 445 compliant manufactured logs |
| Prohibited fuel | - | Trash, painted or treated wood, yard waste, construction debris |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Can I have a backyard fire pit in Chino?
Yes. A wood-burning recreational fire pit is allowed under CFC §307.4.2 if it stays under 3 ft diameter and 2 ft tall, sits at least 25 ft from any structure or fence, burns only seasoned wood, and is attended with a water source ready. Propane and natural-gas fire features have looser rules and are exempt from SCAQMD No-Burn Days.
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit?
No permit is required for a code-compliant recreational fire under CFC §307.4.2. Permanent gas-fueled fire features tied into a home's gas line require a plumbing/mechanical permit from the City of Chino Building Division.
Are there days I can't use my fire pit?
Yes. Chino is in the South Coast AQMD basin, so SCAQMD Rule 445 No-Burn Days (typically November through February) prohibit wood-burning fireplaces and fire pits when fine-particulate pollution is forecast high. Check aqmd.gov/nobur n. Gas fire pits are exempt.
Fontana FAQ
Can I burn wood in my Fontana backyard fire pit?
Only on days the SCAQMD forecast does not declare a no-burn day between November and February, and the pit must meet all Fire Code setback and supervision rules.
Do I need a permit for a residential fire pit?
No permit is needed for standard portable or masonry pits used recreationally, but built-in gas fire features tied to a gas line require a plumbing permit from Fontana Building and Safety.
Who enforces fire pit rules in Fontana?
The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District responds to complaints and can order a fire extinguished; Fontana Code Enforcement handles repeated nuisance smoke.
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