Fire Pit Rules: Chino vs Rancho Cucamonga
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Chino, CA and Rancho Cucamonga, CA?
Chino and Rancho Cucamonga 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 →Rancho Cucamonga, CA
San Bernardino County
Rancho Cucamonga allows recreational fire pits under the California Fire Code, but foothill properties face stricter restrictions and SCAQMD Rule 445 limits wood burning on winter no-burn days.
View full Rancho Cucamonga rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Rancho Cucamonga |
|---|---|---|
| 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 per 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 | - |
| Foothill restrictions | - | Stricter rules in VHFHSZ (Etiwanda, north of Banyan) |
| Air quality check | - | SCAQMD Rule 445 no-burn days Nov 1 to end of February |
| Approved fuel | - | Commercial firewood, propane, natural gas, Rule 445 logs |
| Enforcement | - | Rancho Cucamonga Fire Protection District, (909) 477-2770 |
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.
Rancho Cucamonga FAQ
Can I use a wood fire pit in Etiwanda or the northside foothills?
Only on non-red-flag days outside of SCAQMD no-burn alerts. Gas fire pits are strongly preferred in VHFHSZ areas and RCFPD can prohibit open flames during high wind events.
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit?
No permit is needed for standard portable or masonry pits used recreationally, but gas fire features connected to a gas line require a plumbing permit from Building and Safety.
Who responds to nuisance smoke complaints?
Call Rancho Cucamonga Fire Protection District for active fire hazards and Code Enforcement at (909) 477-2700 for recurring smoke nuisance complaints.
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