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Delaware County, PA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Outdoor burning rules in Delaware County, PA, also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance, set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.

Key Facts

State rule
25 Pa. Code §129.14
Air basin
Open burning of material prohibited
Allowed
Cooking, small recreational fires
Enforced by
PA DEP + municipality
County role
None; municipal + state

Summary

Open burning is regulated by PA DEP air rules (25 Pa. Code §129.14) and by each municipality, not by Delaware County. Southeastern PA counties sit in an air basin where open burning of material is prohibited, with narrow exceptions like cooking and small recreational fires.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Delaware County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

No person may permit the open burning of material in an air basin.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

Under 25 Pa. Code §129.14(a), no person may permit the open burning of material in an air basin, which covers the Philadelphia-area counties including Delaware County. Limited exceptions allow fire-hazard prevention, disease or pest control (with Department approval), agricultural burning on farm premises, small recreational or ceremonial fires, and cooking. Municipalities layer their own open-burning ordinances on top; Upper Darby Township, for example, prohibits open burning and enforces burn bans. Always check your borough or township code and any active burn ban before lighting anything outdoors.

Violations & Fines

PA DEP enforces §129.14 with notices of violation and penalties; municipalities enforce local burning ordinances with citations and fines under their adopted fire code.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I burn leaves or trash in my yard?
Generally no. Delaware County lies in a DEP air basin where open burning of material is prohibited under 25 Pa. Code §129.14, and municipalities add their own bans.
Are cooking and campfires allowed?
Cooking fires and small recreational or ceremonial fires are excepted from the DEP rule, but must still follow local ordinances and any active burn ban.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Delaware County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsFireworksSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingSome Restrictions

All Delaware County rules

How Delaware County compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Delaware County to another location·View the Pennsylvania fire regulations overview

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