Backyard Fires: San Bernardino vs Victorville
How do backyard fires rules compare between San Bernardino, CA and Victorville, CA?
San Bernardino has fewer restrictions than Victorville.
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 →Victorville, CA
San Bernardino County
Victorville backyard fires are limited to small wood fires in approved pits or gas appliances. Burning of leaves, trash, or debris is banned under MDAQMD Rule 444 and the adopted California Fire Code.
View full Victorville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Bernardino | Victorville |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Adult with extinguisher required |
| Red Flag days | All open-flame fires banned on Red Flag or High Fire Danger days | - |
| Code authority | - | CFC 307 adopted via VMC Title 15 |
| Setback | - | 25 feet from structures |
| Pile size | - | Under 3 ft wide and 2 ft high |
| Bans | - | Trash, leaves, debris, red flag days |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Victorville FAQ
Can I have a small bonfire with friends in my Victorville yard?
Only if the fire is inside an approved pit or portable fireplace burning clean wood, stays 25 feet from structures, is attended by a sober adult with water nearby, and no red flag or no-burn day is in effect.
What about a propane fire table on a patio?
Listed propane appliances are allowed and can sit closer to structures per manufacturer instructions. They are not suspended by MDAQMD no-burn days but may be restricted during extreme fire weather warnings.
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