Buffalo's Fire Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles fire regulations a little differently. In Buffalo, New York, there are 5 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Fireworks

Personal fireworks are prohibited in Buffalo. Commercial fireworks at special events require permits and compliance with all Department of Permit and Inspection Services and Fire Department requirements.

Key details: Personal fireworks: Not allowed. Commercial fireworks at events: Require permits from Dept. of Permit & Inspection Services and Fire Dept.. Fine for unauthorized event: $500 plus other applicable penalties.

Violation of the special events chapter may result in a $500 fine in addition to any other applicable penalty. The Commissioner of Police may close any unauthorized event and sponsors and participants may be subject to arrest.

Compared to other cities, Buffalo takes a harder line on fireworks. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Smoke Detectors

Every owner of an occupied dwelling unit in Buffalo must install and maintain smoke detectors; new multiple dwellings must have hardwired detectors in every unit protecting each sleeping area, and all common halls and stairways.

Key details: New multiple dwellings: Hardwired to lighting circuit in every unit; no wall switch. Existing multiple dwellings: Battery or plug-in allowed; no wall-switch control; plug-restrainer required. Coverage required: Each sleeping area + head of each stairway to occupied areas. Common areas (multiple dwellings): Alarm system in all public halls and stairways.

The City of Buffalo is not liable for damages due to non-compliance. Violations are enforceable under Chapter 103 (building code) and general Code penalty provisions.

Outdoor Burning

Buffalo prohibits all open, unconfined fires on any public or private property without written permission from both the Bureau of Fire Prevention and the Chief Combustion Inspector. Burning of salvage materials, motor vehicle parts, and similar junk in open fires is expressly prohibited.

Key details: Permission required from: Bureau of Fire Prevention AND Chief Combustion Inspector (both). Applies to: All streets, public places, public grounds, and private premises in the City. Auto parts/salvage burning: Expressly prohibited in open fires. Definition of open fire: Any fire not enclosed in a lawful fuel- or refuse-burning plant, equipment, or device. General penalty: Up to $1,500 fine and/or up to 15 days imprisonment per offense.

Violations of the Buffalo City Code are subject to the general penalty of a fine up to $1,500 and/or imprisonment for up to 15 days per offense under Buffalo City Code § 1-15. Each day a violation continues is deemed a separate violation.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Buffalo actively enforces its outdoor burning requirements.

Propane Storage

Buffalo caps liquefied petroleum gas storage at 300 pounds before a license kicks in. Keep more than that, or install a container over 2,000 gallons' water capacity, and the Director of Licenses must issue a license approved by the Bureau of Fire Prevention before you store or use it.

Key details: License trigger: Over 300 lbs. LP gas stored. Container size trigger: Over 2,000 gal. water capacity. Exempt quantity: 40 lbs. or less indoors, non-public. Licensing agency: Director of Licenses. Approval required from: Bureau of Fire Prevention.

No specific penalty is written into Chapter 266, so the citywide general penalty in § 1-15 applies: a fine of up to $1,500, up to 15 days' imprisonment, or both, for each offense, with each day a violation continues counted as a separate offense. A licensee found in violation also faces suspension or revocation of the § 266-3 license by the Director of Licenses.

Fire Pits & Backyard Fires

Buffalo bans all open, unconfined fires on private premises without written permission from both the Bureau of Fire Prevention and the Chief Combustion Inspector. There is no provision allowing recreational backyard fires without that dual-agency approval.

Key details: Permission agencies: Written approval required from Bureau of Fire Prevention AND Chief Combustion Inspector. Scope on private property: Applies to 'any private premises in the City'. Fire pit status: Prohibited unless contained within a lawful fuel-burning device. Maximum fine: $1,500 per offense (each day is a separate violation).

General penalty under Buffalo City Code § 1-15: fine up to $1,500 and/or imprisonment up to 15 days. Each day of continued violation is a separate offense.

Compared to other cities, Buffalo takes a harder line on fire pits & backyard fires. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Buffalo is tougher than many cities when it comes to fire regulations. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Buffalo, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Buffalo's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.