Fire Pit Rules: Fontana vs Rancho Cucamonga
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Fontana, CA and Rancho Cucamonga, CA?
Fontana and Rancho Cucamonga 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 →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 | Fontana | Rancho Cucamonga |
|---|---|---|
| Setback from structures | Minimum 10 feet under California Fire Code Sec. 307 | Minimum 10 feet per 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 | SCAQMD Rule 445 no-burn days Nov 1 to end of February |
| Approved fuel | Propane, natural gas, or Rule 445 compliant manufactured logs | Commercial firewood, propane, natural gas, Rule 445 logs |
| Prohibited fuel | Trash, painted or treated wood, yard waste, construction debris | - |
| Foothill restrictions | - | Stricter rules in VHFHSZ (Etiwanda, north of Banyan) |
| Enforcement | - | Rancho Cucamonga Fire Protection District, (909) 477-2770 |
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.
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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