Fire Regulations in New York, NY (2026)
7 verified fire regulations for New York, New York, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pit Rules
New York City does not allow open backyard fires generally, but FDNY Fire Code Section FC 307.7 carves out a narrow exception for manufactured residential fire pits. They may be used only at a detached one-family-style (Group R-3) home in an R1, R2 or R3 zoning district, must stay at least 10 feet from anything combustible, and must be constantly attended. Apartment buildings, balconies and rooftops are not permitted locations.
Residential fire pits limited to R1-R3 yards
Heavy RestrictionsNYC Fire Code FC 307.7 and FC 307.7.2 (Residential Fire Pits)
Residential fire pits may be stored and used to maintain an open fire on the premises of a detached Group R-3 occupancy in any R1, R2 or R3 residential zoning district. Residential fire pits shall not be stored or used within 10 feet of any combustible waste, combustible material, or any combustible building surface.
Fireworks
Consumer fireworks are illegal throughout New York City. New York Penal Law Section 270.00 makes possessing, using or exploding any fireworks a violation and selling them a misdemeanor. While a 2014 state amendment lets counties opt in to legalize ground-based 'sparkling devices,' that option is expressly unavailable in any city with a population over one million - which means it is barred in New York City. Only FDNY-permitted professional displays are allowed.
All consumer fireworks illegal in NYC
Heavy RestrictionsNY Penal Law Section 270.00 (Unlawfully dealing with fireworks and dangerous fireworks)
Except as herein otherwise provided, or except where a permit is obtained pursuant to section 405.00, any person who shall possess, use, explode or cause to explode any fireworks or dangerous fireworks is guilty of a violation; provided, however, that any person who shall offer or expose for sale, sell or furnish, any fireworks or dangerous fireworks is guilty of a class B misdemeanor. ... [Spa...
Brush Clearance
No New York City-specific ordinance imposes wildland-style defensible-space or brush-clearance requirements; the dense urban setting has no mapped fire-hazard severity zones like California's. Overgrown vegetation and debris on private lots are handled through property-maintenance enforcement, and any cleared brush must be hauled away rather than burned, because state rule 6 NYCRR Part 215 and NYC Administrative Code Section 24-149 prohibit open burning of yard waste.
No wildland brush-clearance mandate; no open burning
Few RestrictionsNYSDEC, Open Burning guidance (implementing 6 NYCRR Part 215)
Prohibited open burning includes: Burning refuse, trash, tires, and other solid wastes. This includes burning trash or other solid wastes in a burn barrel or similar device. Burning loose leaves or leaf piles. ... Burning trash is illegal statewide in all cases.
Outdoor Burning
Open burning is broadly prohibited in New York City under both state and city law. New York State regulation 6 NYCRR 215.2 bans burning any material in an open fire except for a short list of exceptions, and the NYSDEC confirms that 'Burning trash is illegal statewide in all cases.' New York City Administrative Code Section 24-149 independently prohibits open fires that emit air contaminants, allowing only narrow exceptions such as small charcoal/gas barbecue grills.
Open burning banned; trash burning illegal
Heavy Restrictions6 NYCRR Section 215.2 (Prohibitions) and Section 215.1 (Definitions)
Except as allowed by section 215.3 of this Part, no person shall burn, cause, suffer, allow or permit the burning of any materials in an open fire. ... Open fire means any outdoor fire or outdoor smoke producing process from which air contaminants are emitted directly into the outdoor atmosphere. Open fires include burning in barrels or modified barrels.
Wildfire Zones
NYC does not have designated wildfire zones or wildland-urban interface (WUI) regulations. The city's dense urban environment and FDNY coverage make wildfire an extremely low risk. Staten Island's Greenbelt and some wooded areas in the outer boroughs occasionally see brush fires managed by FDNY.
New York City Wildfire Zone Regulations
Few RestrictionsBackyard Fires
Open recreational backyard fires - campfires, chimineas burning wood, and bonfires on the ground - are effectively prohibited in New York City. FDNY Fire Code Section FC 307.1 bans kindling or maintaining any open fire except for listed exceptions, and the only backyard exception is a manufactured residential fire pit at a detached R1-R3 home (FC 307.7). The state cooking/campfire exception in 6 NYCRR 215.3 does not override the city's stricter open-fire prohibition.
Recreational backyard fires prohibited in NYC
Heavy Restrictions6 NYCRR Section 215.3(c) (Exceptions and restricted burning) - cooking and camp fires
Small fires used for cooking and camp fires provided that only charcoal or untreated wood is used as fuel and the fire is not left unattended until extinguished, and provided further that no garbage is disposed of in such small fires.
Propane Storage
FDNY Fire Code Section FC 307.5 controls where outdoor barbecues and their propane (LP-gas) containers may be used in New York City. At a multiple dwelling (Group R-2), only small barbecues using 16.4-ounce (1 lb) propane cylinders are allowed; 20-pound propane tanks may not be stored or used indoors or on any rooftop or balcony. All barbecues must be operated outdoors at least 10 feet from combustible material and be constantly attended.
Propane barbecues: 16.4 oz limit at apartments
Some RestrictionsNYC Fire Code FC 307.5 (Portable outdoor barbecues)
Only portable outdoor barbecues designed for use with LPG containers with a capacity of 16.4 ounces may be stored or used on the premises of a Group R-2 occupancy. Twenty-pound LPG containers shall not be stored or used indoors, or on any rooftop or balcony, and a maximum of two 20-pound LPG containers may be used to fuel a portable outdoor barbecue.
Looking for New York County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement New York city rules.
Fire Regulations in New York County →