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Morris County, NJ Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

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

Outdoor burning rules in Morris County, 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

State rule
N.J.A.C. 7:27-2 (Air Pollution)
Leaves/rubbish
Prohibited to burn
Permitted fuel
Clean untreated wood, brush, firewood
Permit from
NJ Forest Fire Service
Wind limit
No burning above 5 mph

Summary

Open burning of leaves, rubbish and garbage is banned statewide under N.J.A.C. 7:27-2. Limited exceptions require a permit from the NJ Forest Fire Service and are restricted to clean untreated wood, brush and firewood, never refuse, tires or garbage.

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

Open burning can consist only of clean and untreated scrap lumber, felled trees, clippings pruned from trees and shrubs, hedgerows, or firewood. Absolutely no refuse, trade waste, tires or garbage of any type may be added.

View official code

Full Breakdown

New Jersey's Air Pollution Control code, N.J.A.C. 7:27-2, prohibits open burning of salvage, rubbish, garbage and fallen leaves. Where limited open burning is allowed, the NJ Forest Fire Service issues free permits and the fire may consist only of clean and untreated scrap lumber, felled trees, clippings pruned from trees and shrubs, hedgerows, or firewood, no refuse, trade waste, tires or garbage of any type. Open burning when wind velocity exceeds 5 mph is prohibited. No permit may be issued for a fire that violates the State Air Pollution Code or the State Fire Prevention Code. Morris County itself issues no burning permits; contact the Forest Fire Service or your local fire official.

Violations & Fines

Illegal open burning carries fines up to $5,000 plus reimbursement of firefighting costs, enforced by the Forest Fire Service and DEP.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I burn leaves in my Morris County yard?
No. Burning fallen leaves and rubbish is prohibited statewide under N.J.A.C. 7:27-2. Bag leaves for municipal collection instead.
How do I get an open-burning permit?
Contact the nearest NJ Forest Fire Service office at least 10 days in advance. Permits are free but limited to clean untreated wood and brush.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Morris County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsFire Pits & Backyard FiresSome RestrictionsFireworksSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions

All Morris County rules

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

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