Long Branch, NJ Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Long Branch, 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
- Rubbish burning
- Prohibited except in incinerators
- Bonfire setback (open location)
- 50 feet from any structure
- Bonfire setback (approved burner)
- 15 feet from any structure
- Fuel allowed
- Seasoned dry wood + paper only
- Agricultural/brush burning
- Needs State Forest Fire Service permit
Summary
Long Branch bans burning rubbish outside approved incinerators and prohibits burning herbaceous or agricultural plant life without a state Forest Fire Service permit. Bonfires need Fire Official approval and must stay 50 feet from any structure, or 15 feet if in an approved burner.
Burning of rubbish shall be prohibited except in approved incinerators. ... A person shall not kindle or maintain any bonfire or authorize any such fire to be kindled or maintained unless: ... The location is approved by the Fire Official and is not less than 50 feet from any structure and adequate provision is made to prevent fire from spreading to within 50 feet of any structure; or ... the fire is contained in an approved burner located safely not less than 15 feet from any structure.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4904719; v48 updated 2026-06-10; through 06-10-2026).
Full Breakdown
C. 7:27-2, folding state permitting directly into the local prohibition. For bonfires specifically, Subsection C requires either Fire Official approval of a location at least 50 feet from any structure with measures to keep the fire from spreading closer than 50 feet, or containment in an approved burner at least 15 feet from any structure. Subsection D limits fuel to seasoned dry wood ignited only with a small quantity of paper, banning rubbish, garbage, and rubber, plastic, leather or petroleum-based materials, with the Fire Official setting the allowable quantity of wood.
Subsection E requires a bonfire be constantly attended by a competent person with fire-extinguishing equipment on hand, and Subsection F lets the Fire Official prohibit any bonfire that becomes offensive due to smoke or odor and order it extinguished. Subsection H exempts cooking fires, highway safety flares, smudge pots and similar occupational needs from prior notice to the Fire Official.
Violations & Fines
Violations of Chapter 134 are punishable under Chapter 1, General Provisions, Article I, the city's general penalty section. The Fire Official also holds direct abatement authority under § 134-1F, ordering the permit holder or the Fire Department itself to extinguish any bonfire that creates or adds to a hazardous or objectionable condition from smoke or odor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a bonfire in my backyard in Long Branch, NJ?
Is burning yard waste or brush legal in Long Branch?
What fuel can I legally burn in a Long Branch bonfire?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Long Branch
How Long Branch compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Long Branch to another location·View the New Jersey fire regulations overview
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