Outdoor Burning: Garfield vs Hackensack
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Garfield, NJ and Hackensack, NJ?
Garfield and Hackensack have similar restriction levels.
Garfield, 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 Garfield rules →Hackensack, NJ
Bergen County
Open burning in Hackensack is governed by the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code (N.J.A.C. 5:70-3) as adopted and locally enforced through Hackensack City Code Chapter 88 (Fire Prevention), originally enacted by Ordinance No. 6-2013. Open burning is prohibited unless the fire qualifies as a permitted recreational fire under the State Fire Prevention Code or has a Type 1 bonfire permit issued by the Hackensack Fire Prevention Bureau. State air pollution rules at N.J.A.C. 7:27-2 generally prohibit open burning of refuse, leaves, and yard waste statewide.
View full Hackensack rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Garfield | Hackensack |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Local Code | - | Hackensack Code Ch. 88 (Fire Prevention), Ord. 6-2013 (4/23/2013) |
| State Framework | - | N.J.A.C. 5:70 (Uniform Fire Code) + N.J.A.C. 7:27-2 (DEP open burning) |
| Refuse / Leaf / Yard-Waste Burning | - | Prohibited |
| Bonfire (Type 1) Permit | - | Required from Hackensack Fire Official, 10-day advance application |
| Bonfire Clearance | - | Minimum 50 feet from any structure or combustible material (IFC 307.4) |
| Incinerator Hours | - | 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. only (Ch. 46) |
| Enforcement | - | Hackensack Fire Prevention Bureau |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Garfield 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.
Hackensack FAQ
Can I burn leaves or yard waste in Hackensack?
No. Open burning of leaves, brush, and yard waste is prohibited under the State Fire Prevention Code (N.J.A.C. 5:70-3, IFC 307) and the NJDEP open-burning rules at N.J.A.C. 7:27-2. Hackensack offers municipal yard-waste collection instead.
Do I need a permit for a bonfire in Hackensack?
Yes. A Type 1 permit under N.J.A.C. 5:70-2.7 must be obtained in advance from the Hackensack Fire Official. Applications must be submitted at least ten days before the planned fire and require written authorization from the property owner.
What is the difference between a bonfire and a recreational fire?
A recreational fire is a small fire (under three feet in diameter, two feet high) used for cooking or warmth and does not require a permit. A bonfire is a larger ceremonial fire and requires a Type 1 permit, plus a 50-foot clearance from any structure or combustible material under IFC 307.4.
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