Fire Pit Rules: Ontario vs Rialto
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Ontario, CA and Rialto, CA?
Ontario and Rialto have similar restriction levels.
Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Ontario allows backyard fire pits under the California Fire Code as adopted. Wood pits must sit 25 feet from structures and be attended. SCAQMD no-burn days override local rules.
View full Ontario 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 | Ontario | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| Code | CA Fire Code Chapter 3 as adopted | - |
| Setback | 25 feet from structures | - |
| Fuel | Clean seasoned wood or gas only | - |
| Attendance | Adult with extinguisher required | Required at all times until extinguished |
| Air quality | SCAQMD no-burn days override | - |
| Max pile size | - | 3 ft. diameter x 2 ft. height (CFC §307.4.2) |
| Clearance from structures | - | 25 ft. minimum |
| 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.
Ontario FAQ
Can I use a wood fire pit in my Ontario backyard?
Yes, if it burns only clean seasoned wood, stays 25 feet from structures, is attended by an adult, and is not used on a SCAQMD no-burn day.
Do propane fire pits have the same setback?
Listed gas appliances can sit closer per the manufacturer instructions, typically as little as a few feet from combustibles.
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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