Chino Hills, CA Fire Regulations: Fire Pit Rules (2026)

Fire protection and fire-code enforcement in Chino Hills are provided by the Chino Valley Independent Fire District (CVFD), not a city fire department. Outdoor fires are governed by the California Fire Code, which the District enforces. Under California Fire Code Section 307, a 'recreational fire' is an outdoor fire burning clean wood or charcoal with a total fuel area no more than three feet in diameter and two feet in height, used for warmth, cooking or similar purposes — distinct from larger 'open burning.' The Fire Code generally permits recreational fires and approved portable outdoor fireplaces (manufactured fire pits and chimineas) at one- and two-family homes. Section 307 requires clearance from combustible construction — portable outdoor fireplaces at single-family (R-3) homes are placed at least 3 feet from combustible construction, and other devices burning solid fuel are kept greater distances. The burning of wood or solid fuel is prohibited within 25 feet of combustible structures unless contained within an approved permanent fireplace, and the California Fire Code prohibits solid-fuel burning within a fuel modification zone, fire hazard severity zone, or Wildland-Urban Interface area where it could spread to wildland. Because parts of Chino Hills — including Carbon Canyon, Vellano and Ridgegate — sit in or near Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, residents in those areas face the tightest restrictions. Wood smoke is also subject to South Coast AQMD nuisance rules and 'Check Before You Burn' no-burn alerts in winter.