Fire Pit Rules: Chino vs Rialto
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Chino, CA and Rialto, CA?
Chino and Rialto 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 →Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
Rialto adopts the California Fire Code by reference in Municipal Code Chapter 15.28 (Fire Code). Recreational fires are governed by CFC Section 307, which limits fires to a 3-foot pile, 25 feet from any structure, and prohibits them during AQMD no-burn days. South Coast AQMD Rule 445 separately restricts wood-burning devices on declared no-burn days throughout San Bernardino County.
View full Rialto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Max pile size | - | 3 ft. diameter x 2 ft. height (CFC §307.4.2) |
| Clearance from structures | - | 25 ft. minimum |
| Attendance | - | Required at all times until extinguished |
| No-burn days | - | SCAQMD Rule 445 (wood only; gas/propane exempt) |
| Code authority | - | Rialto Mun. Code Ch. 15.28 (adopts CFC by reference) |
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.
Rialto FAQ
Can I have a backyard fire pit in Rialto?
Yes, provided it is no larger than 3 ft. across, at least 25 ft. from any structure, attended at all times, and not used on an AQMD no-burn day (wood-burning only — gas/propane are exempt from no-burn rules).
Do I need a permit for a recreational fire?
No permit is required for a recreational fire that meets CFC §307.4.2 size and clearance limits. Larger bonfires or commercial fires require a permit from Rialto Fire under CFC §105.
What can I burn?
Only clean dry firewood. Burning trash, yard waste, leaves, or construction debris is prohibited under SCAQMD Rule 444 and CFC §307.1.1.
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