Outdoor Burning: Buffalo vs Clarence

Can I burn leaves in the fall in Buffalo?

No. Burning leaves and yard waste is prohibited year-round because Buffalo exceeds the 20,000 population threshold in DEC regulations.

What about a small campfire in my backyard?

Small recreational cooking and warming fires using clean cordwood are allowed if they meet Uniform Code setbacks and are attended.

Can I burn leaves or brush in my Erie County backyard?

Almost certainly no. Burning household garbage and leaves is prohibited everywhere in New York under 6 NYCRR §215.2. Brush burning is only allowed under §215.3(a) in towns with population under 20,000 (which excludes Amherst, Cheektowaga, Tonawanda, Hamburg, and most other Erie County towns) and never between March 16 and May 14. Always check with your local town and village before burning.

When is the New York spring burn ban in effect for Erie County?

The statewide residential brush-burning ban runs every year from March 16 through May 14 under 6 NYCRR §215.3(a). During this period no open brush burning is allowed anywhere in Erie County, regardless of town size. The ban exists because dry leaf litter and dormant vegetation create high wildfire risk in early spring.

Are campfires and cooking fires allowed in Erie County?

Yes. 6 NYCRR §215.3 permits small recreational campfires for cooking, warmth, or ceremony provided the fire is no larger than 3 feet high and 2 feet long/wide, contains only clean dry untreated wood, and is attended at all times. Towns and villages within Erie County may impose stricter rules, so check local ordinances before lighting a fire.

Who do I call to report illegal burning in Erie County?

For an active out-of-control fire, call 911. For non-emergency reports of illegal open burning, contact the NYSDEC Region 9 office in Buffalo at (716) 851-7000, or your local town code enforcement / fire marshal. NYSDEC Environmental Conservation Officers have full enforcement authority over Part 215.