Backyard fires in Middlesex County are allowed as small recreational fires under the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code. They need no permit if under three feet across, but must be constantly attended and kept 25 feet from structures. Burning waste or leaves is prohibited.
Recreational backyard fires are governed by the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code (N.J.A.C. 5:70), which adopts International Fire Code Section 307. A recreational fire has a fuel area no larger than three feet in diameter and two feet high and burns clean wood, not rubbish. Such fires are allowed without prior notification to the fire official. Larger fires qualify as bonfires and require a permit. Under IFC 307.5, open burning, bonfires, and recreational fires must be constantly attended until fully extinguished, with a garden hose, water supply, or approved fire extinguisher immediately available. Burning leaves, trash, or yard waste in a backyard fire is separately banned by state DEP rules. Local Middlesex towns may add stricter provisions.
An unattended, oversized, or too-close backyard fire may be ordered extinguished by the fire official and can draw Uniform Fire Code penalties. Burning prohibited materials violates DEP air rules and can add separate civil penalties.
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