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

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

Outdoor burning rules in York 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 Sec. 129.14 (DEP)
Everyday burning set by
Your municipality
County power
30-day drought burn ban
Burn-ban authority
Act 1995-52; PA EMS Code 7501
Ban penalty
$100 / $200 / $300 fines

Summary

Everyday open burning is regulated by your municipality and by PA DEP (25 Pa. Code Sec. 129.14). York County's Board of Commissioners can, and does, impose a temporary 30-day countywide burn ban during dry conditions that supersedes any municipal ordinance.

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

Do hereby establish a temporary 30-day county-wide ban on any and all open burning. This burn ban shall supersede any municipal ordinance to the contrary.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Under 25 Pa. Code Sec. 129.14, DEP prohibits open burning of material in an air basin, with limited exceptions (cooking, recreational fires, agricultural burning). Day-to-day open burning of leaves or debris is set by each borough or township. What is distinctly a county power is the drought burn ban: pursuant to Act 1995-52 and Section 7501 of the PA Emergency Management Services Code, the York County Commissioners may declare a temporary 30-day countywide ban on all open burning. It defines open burning broadly (burn barrels, backyard fire pits, or on the ground) and exempts propane/gas stoves, charcoal grills, and tobacco use.

Violations & Fines

Violating the county burn ban is a summary offense: fines of up to $100 (first), $200 (second), and $300 (third and later). Any sworn police officer, including PA State Police, enforces it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I burn leaves in York County?
It depends on your borough or township ordinance and DEP rules, and only when no county burn ban is in effect. Many municipalities restrict or prohibit leaf burning.
What does a York County burn ban prohibit?
All open burning of combustible material in burn barrels, backyard fire pits, or on the ground. Propane and charcoal grills stay allowed; all fireworks are banned.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in York County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsFire Pits & Backyard FiresSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsFireworksSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundHeavy RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions

All York County rules

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

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