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.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Buffalo, NY
Buffalo does not restrict residential lawn ornaments, statues, or yard decorations on private property. Ornaments must stay on the owner's property and not e...
Buffalo, NY
Buffalo does not impose specific restrictions on residential inflatable holiday displays. Displays must remain on private property and not encroach into side...
Buffalo, NY
Buffalo does not impose a dedicated ordinance restricting residential holiday lighting. The Green Code (UDO Chapter 496) Section 7.4 regulates outdoor lighti...
Buffalo, NY
Permanent outdoor kitchens in Buffalo require building, plumbing, gas, and electrical permits through the Department of Permit and Inspection Services when t...
Buffalo, NY
Buffalo treats wood, pellet, and charcoal smokers as open-flame cooking devices under IFC Section 308.1.4 as adopted by New York State (19 NYCRR Part 1225). ...
Buffalo, NY
Buffalo enforces the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (19 NYCRR Part 1225), which incorporates the 2020 International Fire Code with ...
See how Buffalo's backyard fires rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.