Rancho Cucamonga, CA Fire Regulations: Backyard Fires (2026)

Backyard recreational fires in Rancho Cucamonga are governed by California Fire Code Section 307 as adopted in Municipal Code Title 15. Allowed activities include small portable fire pits, chimineas, permanent masonry pits, gas fire features, and cooking barbecues on private residential property. Burning garbage, green waste, tumbleweeds, palm fronds, construction debris, or any material not intended for recreational use is strictly prohibited. Every recreational fire must maintain at least 10 feet of clearance from structures, fences, overhanging trees, and combustible landscaping. A responsible adult must be present for the entire duration, and a charged garden hose or 4-A rated extinguisher must be immediately available. SCAQMD Rule 445 no-burn day alerts apply between November 1 and the last day of February, restricting wood burning when the Air Quality Management District forecasts poor conditions. Foothill properties in the VHFHSZ face additional rules: RCFPD can prohibit all open flames during red flag warnings or Santa Ana wind events, and many homeowners associations in Haven View, Alta Cuesta, and Etiwanda require gas-only fire features. Complaints about recurring smoke nuisance should be directed to Code Enforcement, and emergency complaints should go to 9-1-1.