Outdoor burning rules in Suffolk County, 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.
Suffolk County follows the NYSDEC statewide burn ban under 6 NYCRR Part 215, which prohibits all residential open burning from March 16 through May 14 each year. Outside that window, open burning of brush is also prohibited in Suffolk County because every town exceeds the 20,000-population threshold that would otherwise allow it.
NY DEC 6 NYCRR Part 215 bans open burning of household trash, leaves, and yard waste year-round statewide. The March 16-May 14 annual burn ban covers even campfires and agricultural burning. Because Suffolk County towns all exceed 20,000 residents, the residential brush-burning exception does not apply anywhere in the county. Only small cooking fires, ceremonial bonfires with permits, and on-site disposal of downed agricultural wood with permits are allowed. Fire departments respond to illegal burns and issue stop-work orders.
Illegal open burning: $500 first offense, up to $10,000 for subsequent or commercial violations under ECL 71-2103. Burning during March 16-May 14 ban: enhanced penalties. Fire department response costs may be billed to violator.
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See how Suffolk County's outdoor burning rules stack up against other locations.
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