Small recreational backyard fires are legal in Buffalo when contained in a proper pit, at least 25 feet from structures, attended, and fueled only by clean seasoned wood. Burning leaves, trash, or construction debris is prohibited.
Buffalo allows recreational backyard fires under the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (FCNYS Section 307). Fires must be less than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet tall, placed at least 25 feet from any structure (15 feet for commercial portable fireplaces), attended by a responsible adult, and extinguished promptly if smoke or sparks create a nuisance. Fuel is restricted to clean, dry, seasoned cordwood - no trash, leaves, yard waste, painted/treated lumber, or pallets. Neighbors may call the Buffalo Fire Department at 911 or 311 for nuisance smoke complaints, and officers may order the fire out. Fires during red-flag wind events (common off Lake Erie in fall) may be prohibited temporarily.
Non-compliant fires can be ordered extinguished on-scene. Repeat violations carry fines up to 250 dollars and potential BFD cost-recovery charges.
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