Backyard recreational fires follow the same 6 NYCRR Part 215 rules as fire pits: under 3 ft tall, 4 ft wide, clean fuel only, attended at all times. The March 16 – May 14 brush-burning ban does not affect small cooking/recreational fires.
New York DEC Part 215 distinguishes brush/open burning (banned in spring) from small recreational fires (allowed year-round if within size limits). Ulster County does not issue countywide backyard-fire permits; enforcement is handled by local fire marshals and the DEC Division of Forest Protection. Towns with forested residential zones (Woodstock, Hurley, Olive) commonly require 25-50 foot setbacks from structures and property lines. Chimineas and UL-listed outdoor fireplaces are treated like fire pits.
Fines start at $500 under Part 215 for unattended or oversized fires. Causing a structure fire or wildfire can result in criminal mischief or reckless endangerment charges plus civil liability for suppression costs.
See how Ulster County's backyard fires rules stack up against other locations.
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