New Haven, CT Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in New Haven, CT, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Structure setback
- 50 feet minimum
- Waste-burner setback
- 15 feet minimum
- Burn hours
- Sunrise to 2:00 p.m.
- Cooking fires
- Exempt from the ban
Summary
New Haven bans open burning of trash, leaves and debris citywide, but allows a supervised fire kept at least 50 feet from any structure, or 15 feet if inside an approved waste burner, only before 2 p.m.
No person shall kindle or maintain any fire not otherwise prohibited by law or authorize any such fire to be kindled or maintained unless (A) the location is not less than fifty feet (50') from any structure and adequate provision is made to prevent fire from spreading to within fifty feet (50') of any structure, or (B) the fire is contained in an approved waste burner located safely not less than fifteen feet (15') from any structure. ...no such fire shall be kindled or maintained after 2:00 p.m. or before sunrise except with a permit from the chief of the department of fire services.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 31 | Zoning: Supplement 32).
Full Breakdown
The fire prevention code prohibits kindling trash, leaves, brush, building materials or similar debris outdoors within city limits, except for occasional cooking of food. A fire is otherwise allowed only if it is at least 50 feet from any structure with precautions against spreading, or contained in an approved waste burner at least 15 feet from a structure. Fires may not be kindled or maintained after 2:00 p.m. or before sunrise without a permit from the fire chief, who can also ban all outdoor fires citywide when wind or weather make them hazardous.
Violations & Fines
Unpermitted burning is a fire-code violation punishable by a fine up to the Code's general maximum penalty under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 7-148(c)(10)(A), with the fire chief able to order fires extinguished.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a fire pit in my New Haven backyard?
Can the city ban all outdoor fires temporarily?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New Haven
How New Haven compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare New Haven to another location·View the Connecticut fire regulations overview
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