Outdoor Burning: Mount Vernon vs Yonkers
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Mount Vernon, NY and Yonkers, NY?
Mount Vernon and Yonkers have similar restriction levels.
Mount Vernon, NY
Westchester County
Open burning of brush, leaves, or trash is prohibited in Mount Vernon. The city's extreme density (4 sq mi, 73,000 residents) means no open burning is practical. NY DEC Part 215 also bans residential brush burning March 16 to May 14 statewide.
View full Mount Vernon rules →Yonkers, NY
Westchester County
Open burning of brush, leaves, and garbage is prohibited in Yonkers year-round. NY DEC statewide burn ban runs March 16 to May 14 for any brush burning.
View full Yonkers rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mount Vernon | Yonkers |
|---|---|---|
| Open burning | Prohibited | - |
| Trash burning | Illegal year-round (DEC) | - |
| Brush burn ban | Mar 16 - May 14 | - |
| DEC rule | 6 NYCRR Part 215 | - |
| Min DEC fine | $500 first offense | - |
| Leaf/trash burning | - | Illegal year-round |
| Brush ban | - | March 16 – May 14 |
| Regulation | - | 6 NYCRR Part 215 |
| First offense | - | $500 minimum |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mount Vernon FAQ
Can I burn fallen leaves in my backyard?
No. Mount Vernon's dense urban environment prohibits open burning, and NY DEC bans burning leaves and yard waste regardless of season.
When is the NY statewide brush burn ban?
NY DEC 6 NYCRR Part 215 bans residential brush burning from March 16 through May 14 each year. Burning household trash is illegal year-round statewide, including in Mount Vernon.
What's the fine for open burning in Mount Vernon?
NY DEC minimum fines start at $500 for a first offense. Mount Vernon's fire code effectively prohibits all open burning given its urban density — only small cooking fires in approved appliances are allowed.
Yonkers FAQ
Can I burn leaves in my backyard?
No. Leaf burning is illegal statewide in NY year-round under DEC Part 215.
When is the NY brush burning ban in effect?
The annual statewide brush burning ban runs March 16 through May 14 every year.
What's the fine for illegal open burning?
First-offense fines start at a $500 minimum under 6 NYCRR Part 215 enforcement.
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