Mount Vernon, NY Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Mount Vernon, NY, 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
- Open burning
- Prohibited
- Trash burning
- Illegal year-round (DEC)
- Brush burn ban
- Mar 16 - May 14
- DEC rule
- 6 NYCRR Part 215
- Min DEC fine
- $500 first offense
Summary
Open burning of brush, leaves, or trash is prohibited in Mount Vernon. The city's extreme density (4 sq mi, 73,000 residents) means no open burning is practical. NY DEC Part 215 also bans residential brush burning March 16 to May 14 statewide.
Open burning is regulated under Part 215 . Part 215 describes the types of fires that are allowed and the materials that may be burned in an open fire. Towns, villages, cities, and counties can pass ordinances that are stricter than Part 215. You should check with local authorities before having an open fire to find out if local law requires a permit or prohibits open fires. What Can I Burn? The following types of open fires are allowed in NYS. All fires must consist of only charcoal or dry, clean, untreated, and unpainted wood. Campfires, small cooking fires, or any other outdoor fire less than 3 feet in height and 4 feet in length, width, or diameter. Information on building a safe campfire can be found below. Ceremonial or celebratory bonfires, including the disposal of flags or religious items if it is not otherwise prohibited by law or regulation.
Full Breakdown
Under NY DEC 6 NYCRR Part 215, burning household trash is illegal year-round anywhere in NY, and residential brush burning is banned March 16 through May 14. Mount Vernon's urban character and proximity to adjacent buildings make all open burning effectively prohibited under city fire code; only small contained cooking fires in approved appliances are permitted.
Violations & Fines
DEC fines start at $500 for a first offense. Mount Vernon fire code violations can add municipal penalties and cost-recovery for any emergency response.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn fallen leaves in my backyard?
When is the NY statewide brush burn ban?
What's the fine for open burning in Mount Vernon?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Mount Vernon
How Mount Vernon compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·New York rules heatmap·Compare Mount Vernon to another location·View the New York fire regulations overview
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Outdoor Burning in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Westchester County handle outdoor burning.