New Jersey Open Burning Restrictions Apply Statewide

Under N.J.A.C. 7:27-2 and N.J.S.A. 26:2C-1 et seq., open burning of garbage, leaves, brush, and construction debris is prohibited throughout New Jersey. Limited exceptions exist for small recreational fires, prescribed burns by certified personnel, and agricultural burning with a permit from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service under N.J.S.A. 13:9-1. Municipalities may impose additional restrictions but cannot authorize burning that the state forbids.

NJDEP penalties begin at $500 per day and can reach $10,000 for repeat violations; criminal charges and Forest Fire Service citations may also apply for unpermitted brush burning.