Buffalo, NY Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
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.
Key Facts
- Permission required from
- Bureau of Fire Prevention AND Chief Combustion Inspector (both)
- Applies to
- All streets, public places, public grounds, and private premises in the City
- Auto parts/salvage burning
- Expressly prohibited in open fires
- Definition of open fire
- Any fire not enclosed in a lawful fuel- or refuse-burning plant, equipment, or device
- General penalty
- Up to $1,500 fine and/or up to 15 days imprisonment per offense
Summary
Buffalo prohibits all open, unconfined fires on any public or private property without written permission from both the Bureau of Fire Prevention and the Chief Combustion Inspector. Burning of salvage materials, motor vehicle parts, and similar junk in open fires is expressly prohibited.
§ 66-19. Open fires. [Amended 12-9-2003, effective 12-19-2003] No person shall kindle or maintain or authorize to be kindled or maintained any open, unconfined fire on or in any street or public place or public grounds or upon any private premises in the City unless with written permission of the Bureau of Fire Prevention and the Chief Combustion Inspector. An "open, unconfined fire" is defined herein as any fire that is not contained or enclosed within or controlled by a lawful fuel- or refuse-burning plant, equipment or device. The burning of motor vehicle bodies, parts and accessories and similar salvage and junk materials in open, unconfined fires not enclosed by a proper and lawful fuel- or refuse-burning plant or device is hereby prohibited.
Full Breakdown
An open, unconfined fire is defined as any fire not contained or enclosed within a lawful fuel- or refuse-burning plant, equipment, or device. The ban covers streets, public places, public grounds, and private premises alike. Permission must come from two separate city agencies: the Bureau of Fire Prevention and the Chief Combustion Inspector. The burning of motor vehicle bodies, parts, accessories, and similar salvage or junk materials in open, unconfined fires is specifically and separately prohibited even beyond the general ban.
Violations & Fines
Violations of the Buffalo City Code are subject to the general penalty of a fine up to $1,500 and/or imprisonment for up to 15 days per offense under Buffalo City Code § 1-15. Each day a violation continues is deemed a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a backyard fire pit in Buffalo?
Can I burn leaves or yard debris on my property?
What is considered an open, unconfined fire?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Buffalo
How Buffalo compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·New York rules heatmap·Compare Buffalo to another location·View the New York fire regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.