Backyard Fires: Ontario vs San Bernardino
How do backyard fires rules compare between Ontario, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Ontario and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Ontario backyard fires are limited to small wood fires in approved pits or gas appliances. Burning of leaves, trash, or debris is banned under SCAQMD Rule 444 and the adopted California Fire Code.
View full Ontario 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 | Ontario | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Code authority | CFC 307 as adopted | - |
| Setback | 25 feet from structures | - |
| Pile size | Under 3 ft wide and 2 ft high | - |
| Attendance | Adult with extinguisher required | Responsible adult with water or extinguisher required |
| Bans | Trash, leaves, debris, no-burn days | - |
| Size limit | - | 3 ft wide by 2 ft tall for wood recreational fires |
| Approved fuel | - | Seasoned wood or charcoal only; no trash or treated lumber |
| Minimum clearance | - | 25 ft from structures for open wood fires |
| Red Flag days | - | All open-flame fires banned on Red Flag or High Fire Danger days |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Ontario FAQ
Can I have a small bonfire with friends in Ontario?
Only if the fire is inside an approved pit or portable fireplace burning clean wood, stays 25 feet from structures, and is attended by a sober adult with water nearby.
What about a propane fire table on a patio?
Listed propane appliances are allowed and can sit much closer to structures per the manufacturer instructions, and they are not suspended by SCAQMD no-burn days.
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.
Compare other topics
See how Ontario and San Bernardino compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool