San Bernardino County Fire Regulations: Backyard Fires Rules (2026)

California Fire Code 307 as adopted by San Bernardino County Fire Protection District governs recreational fires on residential property. Key rules: (1) Portable outdoor fireplaces, chimineas, and fire pits must be at least 15 feet from structures, overhangs, fences, and combustible materials if the pit is 3+ feet diameter; small devices with total fuel area less than 1 cubic foot can be 3 feet from combustibles (typical for tabletop propane fire bowls); (2) only clean dry firewood or charcoal is allowed - no trash, leaves, construction debris, painted/treated wood, plastics, or tires; (3) fires must be attended by a competent adult at all times until fully extinguished; (4) an approved extinguishment source (garden hose, shovel and dirt, or fire extinguisher) must be present; (5) maximum fire size is typically 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high. Natural gas and propane fire pits are generally allowed without a permit. In mountain communities (Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead, Crestline, Running Springs, Wrightwood, Oak Glen, Forest Falls) and the San Bernardino National Forest Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, additional restrictions apply and many jurisdictions suspend all wood burns during fire season (typically May-November) or during Red Flag warnings declared by the NWS. Beach fires and sand-pit fires are not applicable in the landlocked county. Joshua Tree National Park bans open fires outside developed campgrounds.