Fire Pit Rules: Fontana vs Rialto
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Fontana, CA and Rialto, CA?
Fontana and Rialto 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 →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 | Fontana | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| 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.
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.
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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