Fire Pit Rules: Chino vs Ontario
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Chino, CA and Ontario, CA?
Chino and Ontario 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 →Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Ontario allows backyard fire pits under the California Fire Code as adopted. Wood pits must sit 25 feet from structures and be attended. SCAQMD no-burn days override local rules.
View full Ontario rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| 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 | - |
| Code | - | CA Fire Code Chapter 3 as adopted |
| Setback | - | 25 feet from structures |
| Fuel | - | Clean seasoned wood or gas only |
| Attendance | - | Adult with extinguisher required |
| Air quality | - | SCAQMD no-burn days override |
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.
Ontario FAQ
Can I use a wood fire pit in my Ontario backyard?
Yes, if it burns only clean seasoned wood, stays 25 feet from structures, is attended by an adult, and is not used on a SCAQMD no-burn day.
Do propane fire pits have the same setback?
Listed gas appliances can sit closer per the manufacturer instructions, typically as little as a few feet from combustibles.
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