Small cooking fires permitted in Queens in approved barbecues/fire pits under 3 feet, 10 feet from structures. Wood fires only with clean seasoned wood. No recreational bonfires.
Backyard fires in Queens County are regulated under NYC Fire Code FC 307 and 308. Permitted: small recreational and cooking fires using clean dry seasoned wood or charcoal, contained in an approved metal or masonry fire pit, chiminea, or barbecue not exceeding 3 feet in diameter, located at least 10 feet from any structure, fence, combustible vegetation, or property line. An adult must supervise; a means of extinguishment (water source or approved extinguisher) must be on hand; fires must be fully extinguished before leaving. Prohibited: burning yard waste, leaves, brush, trash, construction debris, treated lumber, or any solid waste; large open bonfires; fires during high-wind advisories or air quality alerts. NYC has no permit requirement for small personal backyard cooking fires, but religious ceremonial fires require an FDNY permit. Queens neighborhoods with yards (Bayside, Fresh Meadows, Douglaston, Whitestone) more commonly use fire pits; NYCHA and most co-op buildings prohibit outdoor fires by house rules. Complaints from neighbors may trigger FDNY response. Violations bring fines of 350 to 5,000 dollars.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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