Backyard Fires: Fontana vs San Bernardino
How do backyard fires rules compare between Fontana, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Fontana and San Bernardino 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 →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
Backyard recreational fires in San Bernardino must meet California Fire Code size and fuel rules, stay 25 feet from structures, and are banned during Red Flag Warnings or high fire danger periods.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fontana | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Seasoned wood or charcoal only; no trash or treated lumber |
| Winter limits | No wood burning on SCAQMD no-burn days | - |
| Size limit | - | 3 ft wide by 2 ft tall for wood recreational fires |
| Minimum clearance | - | 25 ft from structures for open wood fires |
| Attendance | - | Responsible adult with water or extinguisher required |
| Red Flag days | - | All open-flame fires banned on Red Flag or High Fire Danger 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.
San Bernardino FAQ
Can I have a small cooking fire in my backyard during summer?
Yes if it is under 3 ft wide, burns clean wood or charcoal, and is not during a Red Flag Warning or declared high-danger period.
Can I burn yard trimmings in a backyard fire pit?
No. SCAQMD and county fire both prohibit burning vegetation, trash, or treated materials; use green-waste service instead.
Are propane patio fire pits banned when wood fires are?
Listed gas appliances are generally exempt from wood-fire bans because they shut off instantly and do not throw embers, but verify during extreme fire-weather events.
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