Stafford Township, NJ Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)

Section 147-2B of the Stafford Township Code allows fires for recreational or ceremonial purposes, such as a bonfire, only if a permit has been issued under § 147-3 by the Fire Prevention Subcode Official. The code does not use the words fire pit. The only no-permit appliances it names are an outdoor grill, traditional food cooking devices, and an outside fireplace or chiminea made of metal, concrete, brick, earth or other nonflammable substance and designed to contain burning (§ 147-2A).

To get the permit, the applicant files a written request with the Fire Prevention Subcode Official at least 10 days before the fire, with a fee equal to the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code Type 1 permit under N.J.A.C. 5:70-2.9, stated as $54 at the time of publication. The request lists the applicant's name, address and telephone number, the reason and type of event, the date, time and place, the fuel and any accelerants, how the fire will be extinguished, and the names of those creating the fire.

Section 147-4 then sets the conditions. Only clean, untreated wood or charcoal can be used, with paper or petroleum products only for ignition. The fire cannot be ignited more than two hours before the activity and must be extinguished immediately after it. The pile can be no more than five feet in height, five feet in width and five feet in length. The fire cannot be used for disposal, cannot be within 500 feet of a pipeline or fuel storage area, and must be attended until completely extinguished, with adequate fire-fighting equipment on site. All fires must be no less than 30 feet from the nearest wall of any building or wooden structure (the code adds that they should be no less than 15 feet from any property line, street or alley).