Fire Regulations in Buffalo, NY (2026)
8 verified fire regulations for Buffalo, New York, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pit Rules
Buffalo allows small recreational fire pits on private property under the NY Uniform Fire Prevention Code (19 NYCRR Part 1225). Pits must be at least 25 feet from any structure, contain only clean seasoned wood, and remain attended with water or an extinguisher on hand.
Fire: Fire Pit Rules
Some RestrictionsFireworks
Consumer fireworks are illegal in the City of Buffalo. Although NY State legalized sparkling devices in 2015, Erie County opted out, meaning even sparklers and ground-based fountains remain prohibited in Buffalo under NY Penal Law Section 270.
Fire: Fireworks
Heavy RestrictionsBrush Clearance
Buffalo requires property owners to keep lots free of dry brush, tall weeds, and accumulated combustible debris under the Property Maintenance Code. Wildfire risk is low in the city, but brush clearance prevents arson-prone vacant-lot fires common on the East Side.
Fire: Brush Clearance
Some RestrictionsOutdoor Burning
Open burning of brush, leaves, and yard waste is prohibited year-round in the City of Buffalo. NY DEC also enforces a statewide residential brush burning ban from March 16 through May 14. Buffalo relies on curbside yard-waste collection instead.
Fire: Outdoor Burning
Heavy RestrictionsWildfire Zones
Buffalo is not located in a designated wildfire hazard zone. The lakefront urban environment, dense building stock, and humid climate keep wildfire risk very low, though waterfront grass fires near Tifft Nature Preserve occur occasionally.
Fire: Wildfire Zones
Few RestrictionsSmoke Detectors
Buffalo requires working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms in every dwelling unit. State law (Amandas Law) mandates CO detectors near sleeping areas, and since April 2019 all new and replacement smoke alarms must be 10-year sealed-battery models.
Fire: Smoke Detectors
Heavy RestrictionsBackyard Fires
Small recreational backyard fires are legal in Buffalo when contained in a proper pit, at least 25 feet from structures, attended, and fueled only by clean seasoned wood. Burning leaves, trash, or construction debris is prohibited.
Fire: Backyard Fires
Some RestrictionsPropane Storage
Buffalo Code Chapter 318 adopts the New York State Fire Code, which caps residential propane cylinder storage at twenty pounds inside dwellings and limits exterior tanks by setback; BFD inspects commercial installations and tank exchange cages for spacing and barrier compliance.
Buffalo Propane Storage Limits
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Erie County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Buffalo city rules.
Fire Regulations in Erie County →