Fire Pit Rules: Fontana vs Hesperia
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Fontana, CA and Hesperia, CA?
Fontana and Hesperia have similar restriction levels.
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 →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 | Fontana | Hesperia |
|---|---|---|
| Setback from structures | Minimum 10 feet under California Fire Code Sec. 307 | - |
| 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 | - |
| Authority | - | California Fire Code §307 (adopted by HMC Title 15) |
| 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.
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.
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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