Outdoor Burning: Fort Lee vs Ridgewood
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Fort Lee, NJ and Ridgewood, NJ?
Fort Lee has fewer restrictions than Ridgewood.
Fort Lee, NJ
Bergen County
Fort Lee enforces outdoor burning under the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code (N.J.A.C. 5:70), adopted and administered locally through Borough Code Chapter 216 (Fire Prevention) and the Bureau of Fire Prevention. Small recreational fires up to 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high are permitted without prior notification when at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material, while bonfires require a Type 1 permit from the Fire Official and must be at least 50 feet from any structure. Open burning of refuse, leaves, and construction debris is prohibited.
View full Fort Lee rules →Ridgewood, NJ
Bergen County
Open burning of leaves, yard waste, and refuse is broadly prohibited in Bergen County under New Jersey air pollution rules. Limited exceptions exist for recreational fires and agricultural or prescribed burns with permits.
View full Ridgewood rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fort Lee | Ridgewood |
|---|---|---|
| Local Authority | Fort Lee Code Ch. 216 (Fire Prevention) + Bureau of Fire Prevention | - |
| Governing State Code | N.J.A.C. 5:70 (NJ Uniform Fire Code) | - |
| Recreational Fire Size | Max 3 ft diameter, 2 ft high | - |
| Recreational Fire Setback | 25 ft from structures or combustibles | - |
| Portable Fire Pit Setback | 15 ft from structures (approved containers) | - |
| Bonfire Permit | Type 1 permit required from Fire Official | - |
| Bonfire Setback | 50 ft from any structure | - |
| Refuse/Leaf Burning | Prohibited (UFC + N.J.A.C. 7:27-2) | - |
| General rule | - | Open burning prohibited |
| Recreational fires | - | Allowed with limits |
| Yard waste burning | - | Prohibited statewide |
| Agricultural burns | - | Permit required |
| Maximum penalty | - | $10,000 per day |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fort Lee FAQ
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit in Fort Lee?
Not for a typical recreational fire. Under N.J.A.C. 5:70, a fire of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height for cooking or warmth is allowed without a permit if it is at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material (15 feet for an approved portable fire pit container). Anything larger - or any 'bonfire' tied to a public gathering - requires a Type 1 permit from the Fort Lee Fire Official.
Can I burn leaves or yard waste in Fort Lee?
No. Open burning of leaves, yard waste, household refuse, and construction debris is prohibited under the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code and the Air Pollution Control rules at N.J.A.C. 7:27-2. Leaves and brush must be disposed of through Borough collection or curbside programs.
How do I get a bonfire permit in Fort Lee?
Apply to the Fort Lee Bureau of Fire Prevention for a Type 1 permit under N.J.A.C. 5:70-2.7. The Fire Official will set conditions, including the required 50-foot setback from structures, fuel type (seasoned firewood only), constant attendance, and a ready water source or extinguisher.
Ridgewood FAQ
Can I burn leaves in my backyard in Bergen County?
No. Burning leaves, yard waste, paper, or refuse is prohibited under New Jersey state law throughout Bergen County, regardless of the size of your property.
Are there any legal outdoor burns in Bergen County?
Limited recreational fires using clean wood, agricultural burns by permit, frost-protection smudge pots, and prescribed burns by the Forest Fire Service are the only allowable outdoor burning.
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