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Ontario, CA Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Fire pit rules in Ontario, CA, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.

Key Facts

BBQ pit setback
15 ft from a structure (CFC 307.4)
Recreational fire pit setback
25 ft from structures/combustibles (CFC 307.4.2)
Max fire size
3 ft diameter x 2 ft high
Code Section
2022 California Fire Code Section 307

Summary

Backyard fire pits, fire rings, chimineas, and barbecues are allowed in Ontario but must follow the 2022 California Fire Code. Barbecue/BBQ pits outside of buildings must be at least 15 feet from a structure, recreational fire pits must keep a 25-foot clearance from structures and combustibles, and the fire must be attended with extinguishing equipment available. Portable outdoor fireplaces and gas fire pits are the lower-smoke alternative.

BBQ pits outside of buildings shall not be located within 15 feet of a structure. (CFC, Section 307.4)... Recreational fires are not to be wider than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high... Buckets, shovels, garden hoses or a water type fire extinguisher shall be readily available for use at recreational fires. (CFC, Section 307.5)

Source: California Fire Code Chapter 3View official code

Full Breakdown

Ontario adopts the 2022 California Fire Code (CFC) through its Municipal Code, and the Fire Prevention Bureau enforces CFC Section 307 governing open burning, recreational fires, and portable outdoor fireplaces. 4 requires that BBQ pits outside of buildings not be located within 15 feet of a structure. 2 sets a 25-foot clearance from structures and combustible material (unless contained in a barbecue pit), and the burn area must be no larger than 3 feet in diameter by 2 feet high. 5 requires buckets, shovels, a garden hose, or a water-type fire extinguisher to be readily available and the fire to be constantly attended until extinguished.

The fire department is authorized to require that any recreational fire be immediately discontinued if it constitutes a hazardous condition. Only clean, dry firewood may be burned - burning trash, leaves, or yard waste in a fire pit is prohibited under SCAQMD open-burning rules (see outdoor-burning).

Violations & Fines

Fire pits that violate Fire Code clearances or attendance rules can be ordered immediately extinguished by the Ontario Fire Department, and the violation is enforceable under the adopted California Fire Code (Chapter 1), with possible cost recovery for any fire response.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far from my house does a fire pit need to be in Ontario?
A wood-burning recreational fire pit must keep a 25-foot clearance from structures and combustible material; a barbecue/BBQ pit outside a building must be at least 15 feet from a structure, per the California Fire Code.
Are propane or gas fire pits allowed?
Yes. Gas and propane fire pits operated per the manufacturer's instructions and supervised by a responsible adult are the lower-smoke option and are not subject to the open-burning prohibition on solid fuels, though Fire Code clearance and safe-operation requirements still apply.
Can I burn trash or leaves in my fire pit?
No. Only clean, dry firewood may be burned. Burning trash, leaves, or yard waste is prohibited under South Coast AQMD open-burning rules.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Ontario

Propane StorageSignificant RestrictionsWildfire ZonesSome RestrictionsSmoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsFireworksHeavy RestrictionsOutdoor BurningHeavy RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSignificant RestrictionsEnvironmental Rules: Flood ZonesSignificant Restrictions

All Ontario rules

How Ontario compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Ontario to another location·View the California fire regulations overview

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Fire Pits & Backyard Fires in Nearby Cities

How other cities in San Bernardino County handle fire pits & backyard fires.

Fontana, CA
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San Bernardino, CA
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Rialto, CA
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