Lakewood, NJ Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Lakewood, NJ, 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
- Scope
- Open burning on public property only
- Holiday-fire exception
- 2-day limit with Ocean County Fire Marshal permit
- Parks exception
- Campfires, grills, fireplaces per § 8-7.7
- Maximum fine
- $1,000 per day of violation
- Enforcing agencies
- Fire Marshal, Police, Inspection Department
- Adopting ordinance
- Ord. No. 2013-20; Ord. No. 2013-66
Summary
Township Code § 3-27 bans open burning on any public property in Lakewood at any time, citing air-quality and public-health risk. Narrow exceptions exist for permitted holiday, religious or festive fires lasting no more than two days and only with a permit from the Ocean County Fire Marshal, plus designated campfires, grills and fireplaces in Township parks.
§ 3-27.1. Purpose. The Township Committee of the Township of Lakewood recognizes that all open burning can contribute to a deterioration of air quality and may be injurious to human health and welfare. It is also recognized that open burning must be strictly regulated to adequately protect the health, welfare, and safety of the public. It is the goal of this ordinance to restrict open burning on public property in the Township of Lakewood in order to protect the public health. ... § 3-27.3. Acts Prohibited. Except as expressly allowed in subsection 3-27.4 of this section, no person shall conduct open burning, as such term is defined in this section, at any time on any public property in the Township of Lakewood. § 3-27.4. Acts Allowed. a. Open burning in conjunction with holiday, religious or festive celebrations not exceeding two days in length and provided that a permit for such open burning has been issued by the Ocean County Fire Marshal.
Full Breakdown
Section 3-27 of the Lakewood Township Code, adopted by Ordinance No. 2013-20 and amended by Ordinance No. 2013-66, restricts open burning on public property throughout the township. " The code defines "open burning" broadly as the ignition of a fire by any fuel source, or permitting, causing, allowing, or continuing a fire, whether inside or outside any heating, cooking or other stove apparatus. 3 makes it unlawful to conduct open burning on any public property in the township at any time, except as expressly allowed.
7; and propane-fueled heating or cooking apparatus used within the area known as "Tent City," subject to Township inspection before use, an exemption that lapses once no one still occupies that area. Enforcement runs to the Ocean County Fire Marshal or a designee, the Lakewood Township Police Department, and the Township Inspection Department. A violation is a municipal infraction punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, with each day of a continuing violation charged as a separate offense, and the Township may also sue for an injunction or other relief.
Violations & Fines
Violating § 3-27's open-burning ban on public property is a municipal infraction punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, and each day the violation continues counts as a separate offense. The Ocean County Fire Marshal or a designee, the Lakewood Township Police Department, and the Township Inspection Department can all enforce the section, and the Township may additionally file a civil action for an injunction or other relief under § 3-27.5.c.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is open burning banned everywhere in Lakewood Township?
Can I hold a bonfire for a holiday celebration on Township land?
What is the penalty for illegal open burning in Lakewood?
Who enforces the open burning ordinance in Lakewood Township?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lakewood
How Lakewood compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Lakewood to another location·View the New Jersey fire regulations overview
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Outdoor Burning in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle outdoor burning.