Kings County, NY Fire Regulations: Backyard Fires (2026)

Residents of Brooklyn brownstones and rowhouse gardens often want backyard fire features, but NYC Fire Code §307 is strict. Traditional open fire pits — dug pits, loose logs, or open metal rings — are prohibited because they constitute open burning. The narrow exception in FC §307.4.3 allows cooking with a self-contained commercial grill burning clean LPG, natural gas, or charcoal, and FC §307.4.4 allows manufactured portable outdoor fireplaces only on private one- or two-family dwellings, with the unit placed on a non-combustible surface at least 15 feet from any structure or combustible material, containing flame within a manufacturer-designed enclosure, and never unattended. Multi-family, mixed-use, and commercial properties cannot have backyard fireplaces. Burning trash, leaves, or construction debris is never allowed. Chimineas follow the same rule as portable fireplaces. Propane cylinders stored outdoors cannot exceed 20 lbs on any property in NYC without FDNY permit. Wind and drought conditions can prompt FDNY to halt even permitted use.