Troy, NY Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

The Troy City Code spreads its burning rules across a few chapters. The clearest is § 141-28(G), part of the demolition rules in Chapter 141 on buildings. During demolition, debris must be systematically removed from the site and not allowed to pile up or cause any obstruction. Burning of debris on the site in the fire limits is prohibited. In other zones, burning of debris must conform to the regulations of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Part 190 of the New York State Sanitary Code and § 301 of the New York State Conservation Law, and must have the approval of the Fire Chief. The same section requires a demolition permit applicant to obtain a letter of approval from the Rensselaer County Department of Health regarding extermination before the permit issues.

Parks have a separate rule. Section 216-5(P) says no person shall kindle, build or maintain a fire in any park or park area, except at approved locations. The same section bans firearms and fireworks in parks and bars camping without the permission of the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation.

Smoke from any source is policed by Chapter 109 on air pollution. Section 109-2 prohibits the production or emission of dense smoke within the City, declares it a nuisance, and lets the City abate it summarily. Smoke counts as dense when it is equal to or greater than No. 2 on the Ringelmann Chart. Section 109-1 defines a stack to include any open fire structure or opening of any kind capable of emitting smoke, so an open fire that throws off dense smoke falls inside the chapter. Under § 109-10 the Commissioner of Public Safety directs and authorizes the officials who enforce it.