Reading, PA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

Three layers of law govern outdoor burning in Reading. (1) Reading Codified Ordinances Chapter 237 (Fire Prevention and Protection) and Chapter 180 Part 14 (the locally adopted 2018 IFC, Section 307 'Open Burning, Recreational Fires and Portable Outdoor Fireplaces') ban open burning for refuse disposal within city limits without a written permit from the Fire Marshal. (2) IFC 307.2 requires that a permit be obtained for open burning when required by Section 105.6, and IFC 307.4 prohibits open burning that will be 'offensive or objectionable due to smoke or odor emissions, or when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous.' (3) Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) at 25 Pa. Code Section 129.14 prohibits burning materials that produce 'air contaminants' - which sweeps in leaves, yard waste, demolition debris, and household trash - and is enforced concurrently with the local code. The Reading Fire Marshal (815 Washington Street, Room 1-41, 610-655-6286) is the permit authority. Allowed without a permit: a small recreational fire of seasoned natural firewood under IFC 307.4.2 (3 ft diameter, 2 ft height, 25 ft from structures, attended, water on hand) and cooking on a residential grill. Prohibited without a Fire Marshal permit and a PADEP exemption: burn barrels, leaf piles, brush piles, construction debris, demolition debris, painted or treated lumber, tires, plastics, household garbage, and any commercial waste. PADEP also imposes statewide Spring Fire Season closures during high-risk periods, typically March through May, when even otherwise-legal small fires may be banned by emergency order.