Recreational backyard fires are allowed under the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code, enforced by your town, not the county. Fires must be in an approved container, kept clear of structures, attended, and never used to burn trash.
Passaic County does not regulate backyard recreational fires; the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code (N.J.A.C. 5:70) and your municipal fire official do. The code allows recreational fires provided they are contained, a safe distance from any structure, constantly attended until fully extinguished, and served by a garden hose, extinguisher, or other extinguishment on hand. Burning rubbish, garbage, or leaves is separately banned by NJDEP open-burning rules (N.J.A.C. 7:27-2). Some towns require a recreational-fire permit or set specific setbacks, and larger bonfires need a permit from the state Forest Fire Service. Always check current fire-danger conditions before lighting a fire.
Fire officials can order an unattended or unsafe fire extinguished and issue Uniform Fire Code fines; burning prohibited materials draws separate NJDEP penalties.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Paterson's backyard fires rules stack up against other locations.
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