Albany, NY Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Albany, NY, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Enclosure required
- wire, steel, concrete or brick
- Min. distance to any structure
- 10 feet
- Min. distance to wood structure
- 25 feet
- Attendance
- competent adult, continuously
- Fine range
- $50-$500 per day
Summary
Albany City Code § 197-5 requires any yard fire to sit inside a fireproof enclosure, stay at least 10 feet from any structure and 25 feet from a wood one, and be watched by an adult the entire time it burns.
No person shall kindle, make or keep a fire in any yard or building in the City unless in a wire, steel, concrete, brick or other fireproof enclosure or receptacle. A fire so kindled, built or maintained, as aforesaid, on the outside of any building shall be continuously under the care and direction of a competent adult from the time it is kindled until it is extinguished. Any fire kindled or built outside of any building shall be at least 25 feet from any wood structure, and in no event shall such fire be built within 10 feet of any type of structure.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4873446; v61 updated 2026-03-18; through 03-18-2026).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 197-5 governs every open fire kindled in an Albany yard: it must burn inside a wire, steel, concrete, brick or other fireproof enclosure, sit at least 25 feet from any wood structure and never closer than 10 feet to any structure at all, and stay under the continuous watch of a competent adult from kindling to extinguishing. The Chief of the Fire Department can ban any fireplace or burning receptacle, indoors or out, that he judges hazardous. Burning garbage or anything that produces noxious odors is never allowed, and violations bring a fine of $50 to $500 under § 197-12, with each day counted as a separate offense.
Violations & Fines
Violating § 197-5 is punishable under § 197-12: a fine of $50 to $500, with each day the violation continues counted as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a fire pit in my Albany backyard?
How far must a yard fire be from my house?
What's the penalty for an illegal yard fire in Albany?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Albany
How Albany compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·New York rules heatmap·Compare Albany to another location·View the New York fire regulations overview
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