A small recreational backyard fire must stay 25 feet from structures, but a larger bonfire must be at least 50 feet away under the NY Fire Code. Burning yard waste or trash is never allowed — only wood or charcoal recreational fires.
Utica enforces the Fire Code of New York State. A recreational backyard fire (contained, small) must be kept 25 feet from any structure (§307.4.2). A bonfire — a larger open fire — shall not be conducted within 50 feet of a structure or combustible material, and conditions that could spread the fire within 50 feet must be eliminated first (§307.4.1). Open burning, bonfires, and recreational fires shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished, and on-site extinguishing equipment must be available. Only clean wood or charcoal may be burned; leaves, trash, and treated wood are prohibited under state Part 215. Fire officials may order any hazardous fire put out.
Fire officials may order extinguishment; Fire Code and Part 215 violations draw codes-enforcement action and state environmental penalties.
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