Firepit, BBQ & Outdoor Fireplaces

For San Bernardino National Forest areas, there are increased fire restrictions.
See the Current Fire Restrictions and Related Prohibitions for information on any fires, stoves, and BBQ in Forest/Campground areas.

Big Bear Valley Residential and Business Firepit and BBQ Info

Open fire pit permits are not permissible at short term rental properties 

Gas/Propane, Charcoal, & Wood Pellet Barbeques are permissible on Residential Properties with proper briquette disposal

Fire Pits:

 Residential & Commercial propane and gas fire pits are permissible

• • 15 ft. of clearance from anything combustible is required
  • Fire pits must be used in accordance within manufacturers guidelines, properly installed, and maintained
• Wood burning fire pits require 25 ft. of clearance in all directions from anything combustible, including vegetation and structures
  • Flames cannot reach more than 2 ft. in height
  • If the 25 ft. requirement can be met, a permit is required and can be obtained through the Big Bear Fire Department (Fees Apply)
  • The permit is valid for 3 months, but can be suspended at any time due to high fire danger

Outdoor Cooking Private Residence or Commercial:

• Residential & Commercial charcoal burning, propane/gas, & wood pellet barbeques are permissible
  • Barbeques must be used in accordance within manufacturers guidelines, properly installed, and maintained
  • 4 ft. of clearance from a structure is generally required
  • 15 ft. of clearance from any flammable vegetation
• Barbeque pits (in-ground pits) require 25 ft. of clearance from anything combustible, including vegetation and structures
  • If the 25 ft. requirement can be met, a permit is required and can be obtained through the Big Bear Fire Department (Fees Apply)
  • The permit is valid for 3 months, but can be temporarily suspended at any time due to high fire danger

Outdoor Cooking in Public Areas:

• For more information on the City of Big Bear Lake parks please visit: https://www.citybigbearlake.com/index.php/services-main/city-parks-and-city-trails
  • Propane barbeques are permissible at the City of Big Bear Lake parks
  • Solid fuel barbeques (i.e., charcoal, coal, wood, wood pellets, etc.) are not permissible due to potential fire risk associated with improper hot ash or coal disposal on undeveloped public land
• For more information on San Bernardino County maintained parks please visit: https://specialdistricts.sbcounty.gov/parks-and-recreation/big-bear/
• For more information on United States Forest Service burning guidelines please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sbnf/home/?cid=fsbdev7_007776
  • Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire is prohibited except in Forest Service-provided campfire ring or in a standing grill within a Developed Recreation Site. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(a). A Developed Recreation Site means an area which has been improved or developed for recreation. 36 C.F.R.§ 261.2.
• For more information on Big Bear Municipal Water District Lake Management please visit: https://www.bbmwd.com/
  • Only propane barbeques are permissible along the lake shore

Indoor Uses:

• Indoor wood burning fireplaces, wood pellet fireplaces, gas fireplaces, fireplace inserts, and stoves are permissible and exempt from Air Quality Management District’s (AQMD) restrictions in Big Bear.
  • Big Bear Properties are above 3000 ft. (AQMD Exemptions for elevations above 3000 ft. Rule 445-I-7-D)
  • Fireplaces must be used in accordance within manufacturers guidelines, properly installed, and maintained

Some Open Fire Permit Requirements:

1. Short Term Rental Properties are not eligible for any Open Fire Permits
2. Fire Department approval & inspection is required.
3. Building & Safety approval & inspection may also be required.
4. Valid Fire Department permit is required for operation.
5. Permit is void if windy and or dry weather exists or a "Red Flag Alert" is in effect. Check our website to see if permit can be used on that day.
6. Keep one approved water hose connected to a continuous water source, or provide other approved water source, within the reach of a fire ring.
7. Keep one long-handled shovel available within 20 ft. of fire ring.
8. Area must be clear of all combustibles 25 ft. in all directions of fire ring. (15 ft. for gas/propane only fires)
9. Flames not to exceed 2 ft. in height at any time.
10. There shall be not less than one responsible adult person in attendance at all times.

Check with the Fire Marshal for full requirements and permit application.

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