Backyard Fires: Rancho Cucamonga vs San Bernardino
How do backyard fires rules compare between Rancho Cucamonga, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Rancho Cucamonga and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
San Bernardino County
Backyard recreational fires are allowed in Rancho Cucamonga with proper setbacks, but debris burning is prohibited and foothill VHFHSZ properties face red flag day restrictions.
View full Rancho Cucamonga 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 | Rancho Cucamonga | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Allowed | Recreational pits, chimineas, gas features, barbecues | - |
| Prohibited | Debris burning, trash, treated wood, yard waste | - |
| Minimum clearance | 10 feet from structures and combustibles | 25 ft from structures for open wood fires |
| Red flag restriction | RCFPD can prohibit all open flames in VHFHSZ | - |
| HOA rules | Many foothill HOAs require gas-only fire features | - |
| 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 |
| Attendance | - | Responsible adult with water or extinguisher required |
| Red Flag days | - | All open-flame fires banned on Red Flag or High Fire Danger days |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Rancho Cucamonga FAQ
Can I have a backyard bonfire in Rancho Cucamonga?
Small recreational fires in an approved pit or chiminea are allowed, but large bonfires require an RCFPD special event permit and are typically restricted to non-residential sites.
What smoke nuisance rules apply?
Excessive smoke that crosses property lines can be cited under nuisance and SCAQMD rules. Recurring complaints lead to administrative citations.
Can I roast marshmallows in my Etiwanda backyard?
Yes, in a compliant fire pit or chiminea with 10-foot clearance, on non-red-flag days, using approved fuel. Gas fire features are preferred in the VHFHSZ.
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.
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