Buffalo, NY Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Buffalo, NY, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Permission agencies
- Written approval required from Bureau of Fire Prevention AND Chief Combustion Inspector
- Scope on private property
- Applies to 'any private premises in the City'
- Fire pit status
- Prohibited unless contained within a lawful fuel-burning device
- Maximum fine
- $1,500 per offense (each day is a separate violation)
Summary
Buffalo bans all open, unconfined fires on private premises without written permission from both the Bureau of Fire Prevention and the Chief Combustion Inspector. There is no provision allowing recreational backyard fires without that dual-agency approval.
§ 66-19. Open fires. [Amended 12-9-2003, effective 12-19-2003] No person shall kindle or maintain or authorize to be kindled or maintained any open, unconfined fire on or in any street or public place or public grounds or upon any private premises in the City unless with written permission of the Bureau of Fire Prevention and the Chief Combustion Inspector. An "open, unconfined fire" is defined herein as any fire that is not contained or enclosed within or controlled by a lawful fuel- or refuse-burning plant, equipment or device. The burning of motor vehicle bodies, parts and accessories and similar salvage and junk materials in open, unconfined fires not enclosed by a proper and lawful fuel- or refuse-burning plant or device is hereby prohibited.
Full Breakdown
The ordinance defines an open, unconfined fire as any fire not contained within a lawful fuel- or refuse-burning plant, equipment, or device. Backyard fires on private premises are explicitly covered by the prohibition: the ban extends to 'any private premises in the City.' The requirement for written permission from two separate city offices makes recreational fire pits and campfires effectively prohibited for most residents. Burning of auto parts or salvage materials in open fires is also separately and expressly prohibited.
Violations & Fines
General penalty under Buffalo City Code § 1-15: fine up to $1,500 and/or imprisonment up to 15 days. Each day of continued violation is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are backyard fire pits legal in Buffalo?
What do I need to do to legally have a fire in my backyard?
Can I burn wood in a contained fire bowl on my patio?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Buffalo
How Buffalo compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·New York rules heatmap·Compare Buffalo to another location·View the New York fire regulations overview
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