Fire Pit Rules: Chino vs Hesperia
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Chino, CA and Hesperia, CA?
Chino and Hesperia 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 →Hesperia, CA
San Bernardino County
Hesperia permits portable fire pits and outdoor fireplaces fueled by clean dry wood, propane, or natural gas, with clearance from structures and fuels per California Fire Code (adopted under HMC Title 15). All open fires (except propane/natural gas) must be extinguished during adverse weather or when ordered by San Bernardino County Fire personnel.
View full Hesperia rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Hesperia |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | Chino Valley Fire District (CVFD) — CFC adopted via CVFD Ord. 2022-01 & 2025-01 | California Fire Code §307 (adopted by HMC Title 15) |
| 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 | - |
| 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 | - |
| Recreational Fire Clearance | - | 25 ft from structures (3-ft pile max) |
| Portable Fireplace Clearance | - | 15 ft from structures |
| Approved Fuel | - | Clean wood, charcoal, propane, natural gas |
| Adverse Weather Rule | - | All open fires must be extinguished (SB County Fire) |
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.
Hesperia FAQ
Can I have a fire pit in Hesperia?
Yes. Portable fire pits and outdoor fireplaces are allowed under the California Fire Code adopted by Hesperia, provided you maintain 25 ft of clearance from structures (15 ft for portable fireplaces) and burn only clean wood, propane, or natural gas.
What can I burn in my fire pit?
Only clean dry firewood, charcoal, propane, or natural gas. MDAQMD Rule 444 prohibits burning trash, treated wood, yard waste, and construction debris in any open outdoor fire.
Do I have to put out my fire on windy days?
Yes. San Bernardino County Fire requires that all open fires (other than propane or natural gas) be extinguished during adverse weather or when directed by fire personnel — this includes Red Flag Warnings and high-wind days, which are common in the High Desert.
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