Backyard Fires: Fontana vs Ontario
How do backyard fires rules compare between Fontana, CA and Ontario, CA?
Fontana and Ontario have similar restriction levels.
Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
Small recreational backyard fires in Fontana are legal with clean wood, propane, or manufactured logs. Keep 10 feet from structures, keep water handy, and obey SCAQMD no-burn days.
View full Fontana rules →Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Ontario backyard fires are limited to small wood fires in approved pits or gas appliances. Burning of leaves, trash, or debris is banned under SCAQMD Rule 444 and the adopted California Fire Code.
View full Ontario rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fontana | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum fuel area | 3 feet diameter by 2 feet height per Fire Code Sec. 307 | - |
| Structure setback | 10 feet for open pits, 15 feet for portable fireplaces | - |
| Supervision | Adult must remain with the fire until fully extinguished | - |
| Approved fuel | Clean firewood, charcoal, propane, natural gas | - |
| Winter limits | No wood burning on SCAQMD no-burn days | - |
| Code authority | - | CFC 307 as adopted |
| Setback | - | 25 feet from structures |
| Pile size | - | Under 3 ft wide and 2 ft high |
| Attendance | - | Adult with extinguisher required |
| Bans | - | Trash, leaves, debris, no-burn days |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fontana FAQ
Can I have a backyard fire in Fontana tonight?
Yes if the pit meets setback and supervision rules and, during November through February, the SCAQMD forecast does not declare a no-burn day.
Does my gas fire table count as a regulated fire?
Gas-fueled features meet fire code rules if installed to manufacturer specs and are exempt from SCAQMD Rule 445 wood-burning restrictions.
My neighbor complained about smoke - can SBCoFD shut down my fire?
Yes. Fire officials can order any recreational fire extinguished if it creates a nuisance or health hazard under the California Fire Code.
Ontario FAQ
Can I have a small bonfire with friends in Ontario?
Only if the fire is inside an approved pit or portable fireplace burning clean wood, stays 25 feet from structures, and is attended by a sober adult with water nearby.
What about a propane fire table on a patio?
Listed propane appliances are allowed and can sit much closer to structures per the manufacturer instructions, and they are not suspended by SCAQMD no-burn days.
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