Fire Pit Rules: Hesperia vs Rialto
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Hesperia, CA and Rialto, CA?
Hesperia and Rialto have similar restriction levels.
Hesperia, CA
San Bernardino County
Hesperia permits portable fire pits and outdoor fireplaces fueled by clean dry wood, propane, or natural gas, with clearance from structures and fuels per California Fire Code (adopted under HMC Title 15). All open fires (except propane/natural gas) must be extinguished during adverse weather or when ordered by San Bernardino County Fire personnel.
View full Hesperia 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 | Hesperia | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | California Fire Code §307 (adopted by HMC Title 15) | - |
| Recreational Fire Clearance | 25 ft from structures (3-ft pile max) | - |
| Portable Fireplace Clearance | 15 ft from structures | - |
| Approved Fuel | Clean wood, charcoal, propane, natural gas | - |
| Adverse Weather Rule | All open fires must be extinguished (SB County Fire) | - |
| 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.
Hesperia FAQ
Can I have a fire pit in Hesperia?
Yes. Portable fire pits and outdoor fireplaces are allowed under the California Fire Code adopted by Hesperia, provided you maintain 25 ft of clearance from structures (15 ft for portable fireplaces) and burn only clean wood, propane, or natural gas.
What can I burn in my fire pit?
Only clean dry firewood, charcoal, propane, or natural gas. MDAQMD Rule 444 prohibits burning trash, treated wood, yard waste, and construction debris in any open outdoor fire.
Do I have to put out my fire on windy days?
Yes. San Bernardino County Fire requires that all open fires (other than propane or natural gas) be extinguished during adverse weather or when directed by fire personnel — this includes Red Flag Warnings and high-wind days, which are common in the High Desert.
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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