Bloomfield, NJ Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

Bloomfield Township regulates open burning in § 640-2.1 of Chapter 640, Nuisances, Public Health, added 12-13-2021 by Ord. No. 21-49. The legislative findings say burning of combustible materials in a residential setting poses a hazard to public health, safety and quality of life, and that the Fire Department's policy is to prevent the danger of fire from open burning.

A recreational fire is an outdoor fire contained in an approved UL container for entertainment. Such fires are allowed without a permit under subsection C(1), but only inside a noncombustible chiminea, outdoor fireplace, fire pit or other UL-compliant device. The fire is limited to a maximum three-foot diameter and two-foot height. All openings in the container must be covered with wire mesh or other screening that stops sparks or embers. The fire must be kept in the rear yard at least 15 feet from any structure or combustible exterior wall, it must be constantly attended until extinguished, and it cannot be used on a porch, deck, balcony or any other portion of a building, within any room or space, or under any building overhang.

Subsection C(7) prohibits burning yard waste, leaves, brush, vines, evergreen needles, branches smaller than two inches in diameter, treated or untreated lumber, garbage, paper products or anything other than firewood, though kindling can start a fire. Firewood includes commercially manufactured, UL-approved fire logs. Under C(8) the Fire Chief or their designee, or the Health Officer or designee, can order any open fire that unreasonably interferes with neighbors to be immediately extinguished.

Two other provisions apply. Section 315-31(D)(1)(c) states no open burning shall be permitted in any district, within performance standards that do not apply to one- and two-family dwellings. Section 497-46 bars kindling a fire on any public street and burning rubbish, wood, leaves or other material within the fire limits of the Township.