White Plains, NY Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in White Plains, NY, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Container Size
- Under 3 ft diameter
- Setback
- 15–25 ft from structures
- Fuel
- Clean wood or charcoal only
- Attendance
- Required with extinguisher
Summary
Small recreational fire pits with clean dry wood or charcoal are generally allowed if attended and kept small. Must comply with NY Fire Code §307 clearances and never burn yard waste or trash.
Campfire Safety Campfires with family and friends are great fun! To make your next campfire safer and healthier, remember to: Check the fire danger map first to make sure it's safe to have a fire where you are. Avoid burning on windy days. Keep your campfire less than 3 feet high and less than 4 feet wide. Keep flammable objects and debris at least 3 feet away from the fire. Never burn trash , including paper products, plastic, glass, and metal (like tin and aluminum cans). Burn only local firewood . Burn only dry, plain wood - no pressure-treated lumber or plywood, and no painted or stained wood. Untreated wood, split tree logs, and branches are recommended for campfires. Using heat-treated/kiln-dried wood can prevent the spread of invasive species. Never use fire accelerants such as kerosene, gasoline, or lighter fluid. Stay out of the smoke. The fire and its warmth can be pleasant for everyone, but inhaling smoke is unhealthy for you and for your pets. Keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby. Never leave your fire unattended. When you're finished with your fire, fully extinguish it. Stirring water or dirt into the remains of the fire can help. We want you to fully enjoy your campfire. Following these guidelines will help ensure a safer gathering.
Full Breakdown
Under NY Uniform Fire Code §307, recreational fires must be under 3 ft in diameter and 2 ft high, at least 25 ft from any structure (15 ft for approved containers under 3 ft diameter). Must be attended at all times with a water source or extinguisher nearby. White Plains Fire Bureau can order any fire extinguished if it creates a nuisance or hazard. Only clean wood or charcoal: no leaves, garbage, or treated lumber.
Violations & Fines
Fire Bureau may order immediate extinguishment; summonses issued for unsafe fires or prohibited materials. Liability for spread damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit?
How far does a fire pit need to be from my house in White Plains?
What can I burn in a White Plains fire pit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in White Plains
How White Plains compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·New York rules heatmap·Compare White Plains to another location·View the New York fire regulations overview
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Fire Pits & Backyard Fires in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Westchester County handle fire pits & backyard fires.