As the fall season approaches and we gather to celebrate a return to school and other fun gatherings that COVID prevented last year, DEP would like to remind you about the NJ Forest Fire Service’s regulations regarding bonfires. Open burning of bonfires is only allowed after obtaining a permit from the state fire official.

Fire Code 2015 of New Jersey Chapter 3 General Precautions Against Fire Section 301 General Defined in Chapter 2 Bonfire:

An outdoor fire utilized for ceremonial purposes. 307.2.1 Approval required. Open burning shall be allowed after obtaining a permit from the fire official for a bonfire. All permits shall be requested by and issued to the owner or agent of the land upon which the bonfire is to be kindled. 307.4.1 Bonfires A bonfire shall not be conducted within 50 feet (15 240 mm) of a structure or combustible material unless the fire is contained in a barbecue pit. Conditions that could cause a fire to spread within 50 feet (15 240 mm) of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition. 307.4.1.1 Bonfire Size and Duration A bonfire shall not be more than 5 feet (1524 mm) by 5 feet (1524 mm) by 5 feet (1524 mm) in dimension and shall not burn longer than 3 hours. The maximum size and duration of a bonfire shall not be increased by the fire official unless it is determined that the fire safety requirements of the situation and the desirable duration of burn warrant the increase. 307.4.1.2 Material Fuel for a bonfire shall consist only of seasoned dry firewood and shall be ignited with a small quantity of paper. The fire shall not be used for waste disposal purposes and the fuel shall be chosen to minimize the generation of air contaminants.