San Bernardino, CA Fire Regulations: Backyard Fires (2026)

Beyond standalone fire pit rules, any backyard or patio fire in San Bernardino must comply with the California Fire Code as amended by San Bernardino County. Recreational fires, meaning outdoor fires used for pleasure, ceremony, cooking, or warmth, are limited to three feet in diameter and two feet in height and may burn only clean, dry, seasoned wood or charcoal. Treated lumber, painted wood, plastics, rubber, and yard trimmings are prohibited fuels because of air-quality and toxicity issues. The fire must be attended by a responsible person age 18 or older with a charged water source or approved fire extinguisher immediately available. Minimum clearances require 25 feet from any structure or combustible material for open recreational fires, 15 feet for portable outdoor fireplaces such as chimineas, and 10 feet for listed appliances with spark arrestors. During Red Flag Warnings issued by the National Weather Service or a declared High Fire Danger period from the county fire chief, all open-flame backyard fires are prohibited regardless of size. Gas appliances such as propane and natural gas fire pits and gas grills are treated as listed appliances and are generally allowed even during fire-weather events, provided they are used on noncombustible surfaces, kept at least three feet from structures, and never unattended while lit. Violations are cited by the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District and can escalate to criminal charges if a fire causes property damage.