Saratoga Springs, NY Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Saratoga Springs, NY, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 126-6, Burning of refuse
- Refuse-burn penalty
- Fine up to $25 (§ 126-7D)
- Enforcement
- Saratoga Springs Police Department
- Recreational wood fire
- Not prohibited by city code
- What's banned
- Garbage, rubbish, refuse in open fire
Summary
Recreational wood fire pits are allowed in Saratoga Springs, but City Code § 126-6 flatly prohibits burning garbage, rubbish or refuse in any open fire. The Police Department enforces it, and burning refuse draws a fine of up to $25.
§ 126-6 Burning of refuse. No person, firm, partnership or corporation shall burn or suffer, allow, cause or permit the burning of garbage, rubbish or refuse in an open fire in the City of Saratoga Springs. … § 126-7 Penalties for offenses. … D. Any person, firm, partnership or corporation violating any of the provisions of § 126-6 of this chapter shall be liable to a fine not exceeding $25.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4856340; v41 updated 2026-04-07; through 04-07-2026).
Full Breakdown
Saratoga Springs draws a hard line between recreation and disposal. Under § 126-6, Burning of refuse, no person, firm, partnership or corporation shall burn or allow the burning of garbage, rubbish or refuse in an open fire anywhere in the city. A backyard fire pit burning clean, seasoned firewood for warmth or cooking is not what the section targets; feeding it trash, cardboard, leaves or construction debris is. The Police Department enforces Chapter 126, officers may issue appearance tickets, and a refuse-burning violation carries a fine of up to $25 under § 126-7D. New York's statewide DEC open-burning rules separately prohibit burning household trash.
Violations & Fines
Burning garbage, rubbish or refuse in an open fire violates § 126-6 and carries a fine of up to $25 under § 126-7D, enforced by the Saratoga Springs Police Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a backyard fire pit in Saratoga Springs?
What happens if I burn trash in my fire pit?
Does Saratoga Springs require a permit for a recreational fire?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Saratoga Springs
How Saratoga Springs compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·New York rules heatmap·Compare Saratoga Springs to another location·View the New York fire regulations overview
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