Fire Pit Rules: Fontana vs San Bernardino
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Fontana, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Fontana and San Bernardino 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 →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino allows residential fire pits under strict size, fuel, and clearance rules enforced by San Bernardino County Fire. Recreational fires must be small and fueled by clean wood.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fontana | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| 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 wood fire size | - | 3 ft diameter and 2 ft tall under CFC 307 |
| Structure clearance | - | 25 ft from structures; 15 ft for portable fireplaces |
| Attendance rule | - | Adult plus charged hose or extinguisher required at all times |
| Red Flag ban | - | All open burning prohibited during Red Flag Warnings |
| Gas appliances | - | Listed propane and natural gas fire pits generally permitted year-round |
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.
San Bernardino FAQ
Can I have a backyard fire pit in San Bernardino?
Yes, for recreational fires up to 3 ft wide using clean wood or charcoal, located at least 25 ft from any structure and attended by an adult.
Are propane fire pits exempt from the burn rules?
Listed gas appliances with shut-off valves are treated as patio equipment and are generally allowed even when wood-burning recreational fires are restricted.
When are fire pits banned completely?
During Red Flag Warnings and periods of elevated fire danger declared by the San Bernardino County Fire Chief, all open burning is suspended.
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