Backyard fires, burn barrels, and open recreational fires are not permitted in New York County. Only approved portable outdoor cooking appliances such as propane or natural gas grills are allowed, with restrictions.
The NYC Fire Code and state DEC regulations prohibit nearly all open flames in backyards or on terraces in Manhattan. Burn barrels, chimineas, and open campfires are classified as open burning and are illegal. The only flames generally allowed outdoors at residences are approved cooking appliances such as propane or natural gas grills, charcoal grills where allowed by the building, and portable outdoor cooking appliances used strictly for food preparation. FDNY and NYC Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) rules restrict charcoal and propane grills on most multifamily building terraces and balconies; propane tanks larger than 1 pound are generally prohibited in residential buildings. Co-op and condo boards may impose further bans. Violations can bring summonses and risk of fire spread in attached buildings.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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See how New York's backyard fires rules stack up against other locations.
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