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.
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.
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.
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.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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