5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Union County, New Jersey.
Verified from official government sources
Fire pits are legal in Union County municipalities if using approved elevated containers per NJ Uniform Fire Code (N.J.A.C. 5:70). UCC-approved containers must be 15 ft from structures; non-approved must be 25 ft away.
Consumer fireworks are illegal in New Jersey under N.J.S.A. 21:3-1. Only sparklers, handheld sparkling devices, and ground-based novelty items (legalized 2017, P.L. 2017 c.74) are permitted. $500 fine for first offense.
Union County is densely developed with minimal wildfire risk, but the Watchung Reservation (2,143 acres) and portions of the Rahway River Parkway fall under NJ Forest Fire Service Division B jurisdiction. Municipal property maintenance codes require weed and brush abatement. Summit and Mountainside border Watchung Reservation and enforce vegetation buffers. Union County Parks Department manages 6,200+ acres with brush management plans. The Union County Office of Emergency Management coordinates with NJ Forest Fire Service during spring fire season.
Open burning is generally prohibited in New Jersey under NJDEP regulations (N.J.A.C. 7:27-2). All outdoor fires must use elevated, approved containers. Burning leaves, grass, or trash is illegal statewide.
Union County is urban/suburban with low wildfire risk — not a designated NJ Forest Fire Service high-hazard zone. NJ Forest Fire Service (N.J.S.A. 13:9-1) regulates statewide; Pine Barrens face stricter rules elsewhere.
3 cities in Union County have their own fire regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Union County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Union County Ordinance Hub →