Woodbridge, NJ Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Woodbridge, 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
- Governing section
- Woodbridge Code §§ 24-2.1 to 24-2.4
- Max fire size
- 3-ft diameter, 2-ft height
- Setback from structures
- 10 feet minimum
- Curfew
- Extinguished by 1:00 a.m.
- Allowed fuel
- Firewood only, no yard waste/treated lumber
- Max penalty
- $1,250 fine and/or 90 days
Summary
Woodbridge allows open burning of firewood without a permit at single-family homes, duplexes and townhomes only inside an approved container meeting strict size, screening, distance and curfew rules, while burning yard waste, leaves, brush or treated lumber is flatly prohibited.
Fires shall be limited to a maximum three (3) foot diameter and two (2) foot height, and must be contained in a noncombustible chiminea, outdoor fireplace, fire pit or other method, approved by the Fire Prevention Officer. All openings in the container or fire pit must be covered with wire mesh or other screening materials that will prevent the passage of sparks or embers. Fires must be kept at least ten (10) feet from any structure or combustible exterior wall. Fires must be constantly attended... The burning of yard waste, leaves, brush, vines, evergreen needles, branches smaller than three (3) inches in diameter, treated lumber, garbage, paper products or anything other than firewood as set forth herein is prohibited. All open fires as set forth herein shall be extinguished no later than 1:00 a.m.
Full Breakdown
1 sets Township policy to prevent fire danger from it. 3 are met, and defines FIREWOOD narrowly as trunks and branches of trees and bushes, excluding leaves, needles, vines or brush under three inches in diameter. 3 spells out the operative limits: fires are capped at a three-foot diameter and two-foot height and must sit in a noncombustible chiminea, outdoor fireplace, fire pit or other Fire Prevention Officer-approved container; every opening in that container must be covered with wire mesh or screening to stop sparks and embers from escaping; the fire must stay at least ten feet from any structure or combustible exterior wall; it must be constantly attended; and it cannot be used on a porch, deck, balcony, under a building overhang, or in any room or interior space. m. 4 puts the Fire Prevention Officer, Police Department and Code Enforcement Office jointly in charge of enforcement.
Violations & Fines
Section 24-2.4(b) makes any violation punishable by a fine of up to $1,250, imprisonment of up to 90 days, or both. A fire ordered extinguished by the Fire Prevention Officer, a police officer, or a code enforcement officer as a nuisance must be put out immediately regardless of whether it otherwise met the container, size or curfew rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit in Woodbridge?
Can I burn yard waste or leaves in my fire pit?
What is the fine for an illegal open fire in Woodbridge?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Woodbridge
How Woodbridge compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Woodbridge to another location·View the New Jersey fire regulations overview
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Outdoor Burning in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle outdoor burning.