Backyard Fires: Rialto vs San Bernardino
How do backyard fires rules compare between Rialto, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
San Bernardino has fewer restrictions than Rialto.
Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
Backyard recreational fires in unincorporated San Bernardino County must comply with California Fire Code Section 307: portable fire pits must be at least 15 feet from structures (3 feet for containers under 1 cubic foot), use clean dry wood only, be attended at all times, and have water/extinguisher ready. All fires prohibited on Red Flag days and in designated fire-restricted areas.
View full Rialto 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 | Rialto | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Clearance | 15 ft from structures | - |
| Small Device | 3 ft clearance | - |
| Max Size | 3 ft diameter / 2 ft high | - |
| Red Flag | No burns allowed | - |
| Fuel | Clean dry wood only | - |
| 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 |
| 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.
Rialto FAQ
Can I have a backyard fire pit in unincorporated San Bernardino County?
Yes, with California Fire Code 307 compliance: 15 feet from structures (3 feet for small devices under 1 cu ft fuel area), clean dry wood only, attended at all times, water/extinguisher present, and never during a Red Flag warning or in designated fire restriction zones.
Are propane fire pits treated differently?
Yes. Propane and natural gas fire pits are generally allowed without a permit and have lower clearance requirements because they have no embers or sparks. They are often permitted during periods when wood burns are suspended, though local fire district rules in high-hazard zones can vary.
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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