Fire Pit Rules: Rialto vs San Bernardino
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Rialto, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Rialto and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
Rialto adopts the California Fire Code by reference in Municipal Code Chapter 15.28 (Fire Code). Recreational fires are governed by CFC Section 307, which limits fires to a 3-foot pile, 25 feet from any structure, and prohibits them during AQMD no-burn days. South Coast AQMD Rule 445 separately restricts wood-burning devices on declared no-burn days throughout San Bernardino County.
View full Rialto 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 | Rialto | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Max pile size | 3 ft. diameter x 2 ft. height (CFC §307.4.2) | - |
| Clearance from structures | 25 ft. minimum | - |
| Attendance | Required at all times until extinguished | - |
| No-burn days | SCAQMD Rule 445 (wood only; gas/propane exempt) | - |
| Code authority | Rialto Mun. Code Ch. 15.28 (adopts CFC by reference) | - |
| 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.
Rialto FAQ
Can I have a backyard fire pit in Rialto?
Yes, provided it is no larger than 3 ft. across, at least 25 ft. from any structure, attended at all times, and not used on an AQMD no-burn day (wood-burning only — gas/propane are exempt from no-burn rules).
Do I need a permit for a recreational fire?
No permit is required for a recreational fire that meets CFC §307.4.2 size and clearance limits. Larger bonfires or commercial fires require a permit from Rialto Fire under CFC §105.
What can I burn?
Only clean dry firewood. Burning trash, yard waste, leaves, or construction debris is prohibited under SCAQMD Rule 444 and CFC §307.1.1.
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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