Monroe County, NY Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Monroe County, NY, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Monroe County Sanitary Code § 569-40(B)(2)
- Allowed
- Campfires/recreational fires, no nuisance created
- Excluded
- Leaf and yard-debris burning
- Max penalty for violation
- $1,000 civil penalty
Summary
Monroe County allows campfires and recreational fires under its Open Burning Control law as long as they don't create a nuisance, but leaf and yard-debris burning doesn't count as recreational.
Campfires and fires used solely for recreational purposes and when a nuisance is not created. The burning of leaves and lawn and garden debris shall not be considered recreational burning. Local tire marshals and fire chiefs shall be consulted for information on local laws and/or other restrictions.
(3) Burning of tree trimmings, insect-infested or diseased vegetation, material cultivated from created wetlands, animal or vegetable wastes or land-clearing materials consisting of trees, tree trimmings, leaves or brush from on-premises agricultural operations, when burning is controlled and a nuisance is not created. This provision does not apply to the City of Rochester. Local fire marshals and fire chiefs shall be consulted for information on local laws and/or other restrictions.
(4) Open burning of highly explosive or dangerous materials in remote areas for which there is no other practical method of disposal, when nuisance is not created and when conducted by police and fire officials for the purpose of the protection of public safety.
(5) Burning of solid or liquid fuels or structures, when conducted under the direct control and supervision of qualified instructors and when done for the instruction and training of firefighters.
(6) Properly operated industrial flares for combustible gases.
(7) Open burning under unusual circumstances and when no alternate procedure is considered practical after prior written approval by the Director.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4802746; v60 updated 2026-02-10; through 02-10-2026).
Full Breakdown
Under § 569-40(B)(2) of the Sanitary Code, campfires and fires used solely for recreational purposes are permissible open burning when a nuisance is not created. The law specifically excludes burning of leaves, lawn and garden debris from this recreational-fire exception, and directs residents to check with local fire marshals and chiefs for additional restrictions.
Violations & Fines
A campfire or fire pit that creates a nuisance -- smoke, odor or safety hazard affecting neighbors -- loses the recreational exception and becomes unlawful open burning under § 569-40, subject to a civil penalty up to $1,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are backyard fire pits legal in Monroe County?
Can I burn leaves in my fire pit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Monroe County
How Monroe County compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·New York rules heatmap·Compare Monroe County to another location·View the New York fire regulations overview
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