Open burning is the single greatest cause of wildfires in NYS. When you plan a fire, always check the fire danger in your area on DEC’s online map (updated every week). If the fire danger is HIGH (Yellow), VERY HIGH (Orange), or EXTREME (Red), or if there is a RED FLAG WARNING, we strongly urge you to avoid outdoor fires.
Regulations
Open fires are regulated under:
What is allowed?
- Small outdoor fire pits.
- Must be smaller than 4 feet in length, width and diameter AND less than 3 feet in height.
- Small outdoor cooking fires.
- BBQ grill, smoker, charcoal grill, etc.
- All fires must consist of charcoal or dry, clean, untreated and unpainted wood only.
- All fires must be contained in a non-combustible ring or outdoor fireplace.
- All fires must be constantly attended by a responsible adult and a means of extinguishment (water, hand tools, fire extinguisher, etc.) must be readily available.
The fire department can cause any fire to be extinguished if it is determined that it is not being conducted safely, poses a public danger, or is a threat to public health, safety and welfare.
Do I need a permit?
You do not need a permit for small outdoor fire pits and cooking fires as outlined above.
If your organization would like to plan a ceremonial or celebratory bon fire you can contact the Fire Prevention Bureau via email at fireprevention@afd.org and request a Burning Permit which are issued on a case-by-case basis.
Burning permits are also issued for Agricultural Land Clearing if a NYS DEC Permit has been issued. Click here for more information from the DEC.
What is prohibited?
- The burning of brush (tree limbs and branches with or without attached leaves).
- Prohibited year-round in the Town of Poughkeepsie.
- Burning trash, refuse, tires, or other solid waste.
- Burning leaves or leaf piles.
- Burning pressure or chemically treated wood, painted or stained wood, or composite wood such as plywood and particle board.
- Heat treated or kiln dried firewood is allowed.
- Burn barrels are not allowed.
What is the annual Spring Burn Ban?
In many parts of the State, downed tree limbs and branches (also called brush) that are less than 6 inches in diameter and 8 feet in length, including branches with attached leaves, are allowed to be burned on-site in small towns with total population less than 20,000 residents.
Due to the increased risk of wildfires, the burning of brush is prohibited from March 16 through May 14. This is the “Annual Spring Burn Ban”.
The Town of Poughkeepsie has a population over 20,000 residents and the burning of brush is prohibited year-round.
This does not prohibit small outdoor fire pits and cooking fires as outlined above.
Additional Resources
Links:
For more information:
Arlington Fire District
Fire Prevention Bureau
(845) 486-6309
fireprevention@afd.org
