Fire Pit Rules: Ontario vs San Bernardino
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Ontario, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Ontario and San Bernardino 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 →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 | Ontario | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Air quality | SCAQMD no-burn days override | - |
| 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.
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.
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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