Fire Pit Rules: Rancho Cucamonga vs San Bernardino
How do fire pit rules 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
Rancho Cucamonga allows recreational fire pits under the California Fire Code, but foothill properties face stricter restrictions and SCAQMD Rule 445 limits wood burning on winter no-burn days.
View full Rancho Cucamonga 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 | Rancho Cucamonga | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Setback from structures | Minimum 10 feet per California Fire Code Sec. 307 | - |
| Foothill restrictions | Stricter rules in VHFHSZ (Etiwanda, north of Banyan) | - |
| Air quality check | SCAQMD Rule 445 no-burn days Nov 1 to end of February | - |
| Approved fuel | Commercial firewood, propane, natural gas, Rule 445 logs | - |
| Enforcement | Rancho Cucamonga Fire Protection District, (909) 477-2770 | - |
| 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.
Rancho Cucamonga FAQ
Can I use a wood fire pit in Etiwanda or the northside foothills?
Only on non-red-flag days outside of SCAQMD no-burn alerts. Gas fire pits are strongly preferred in VHFHSZ areas and RCFPD can prohibit open flames during high wind events.
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit?
No permit is needed for standard portable or masonry pits used recreationally, but gas fire features connected to a gas line require a plumbing permit from Building and Safety.
Who responds to nuisance smoke complaints?
Call Rancho Cucamonga Fire Protection District for active fire hazards and Code Enforcement at (909) 477-2700 for recurring smoke nuisance complaints.
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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