Fire Pit Rules: San Bernardino vs Victorville
How do fire pit rules rules compare between San Bernardino, CA and Victorville, CA?
San Bernardino and Victorville have similar restriction levels.
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 →Victorville, CA
San Bernardino County
Victorville allows backyard fire pits under the California Fire Code as adopted through VMC Title 15. Wood pits must sit 25 feet from structures and be attended. MDAQMD no-burn days override local rules.
View full Victorville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Bernardino | Victorville |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Code | - | CA Fire Code Chapter 3 via VMC Title 15 |
| Setback | - | 25 feet from structures |
| Fuel | - | Clean seasoned wood or gas only |
| Attendance | - | Adult with extinguisher required |
| Air quality | - | MDAQMD no-burn days override |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Victorville FAQ
Can I use a wood fire pit in my Victorville backyard?
Yes, if it burns only clean seasoned wood, stays 25 feet from structures, is attended by an adult, and is not used on an MDAQMD no-burn day or red flag warning day.
Do propane fire pits have the same setback in the High Desert?
Listed gas appliances can sit closer per the manufacturer instructions, typically as little as a few feet from combustibles, and are not suspended by air quality no-burn calls.
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