Outdoor burning rules in Buffalo, NY — also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance — set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Open burning of brush, leaves, and yard waste is prohibited year-round in the City of Buffalo. NY DEC also enforces a statewide residential brush burning ban from March 16 through May 14. Buffalo relies on curbside yard-waste collection instead.
Under 6 NYCRR Part 215, NY DEC bans open burning of household trash statewide and bans residential brush burning from March 16 to May 14 (brush ban season). Beyond the state rule, DEC prohibits residential burning of yard waste entirely in towns and cities with populations over 20,000. Buffalo population (approx 278,000) falls well above that threshold, so all open burning of leaves, brush, and yard waste is illegal year-round. Only small contained recreational cooking fires and ceremonial fires with proper setbacks are allowed. Buffalo Department of Public Works provides curbside leaf and yard-waste pickup in spring and fall as an alternative.
DEC penalties for illegal open burning start at 500 dollars for a first offense and rise to 1,500 dollars or more for repeat or large-scale violations. Buffalo Fire may also charge response-cost recovery.
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See how Buffalo's outdoor burning rules stack up against other locations.
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