← Pennsylvania burn ban rules›Open Burning Rules
Pennsylvania Open Burning Rules (2026)
Conditional: Open burning of debris is regulated locally; counties and the Governor can impose burn bans (county bans last up to 30 days, extendable).
Open burning of debris is regulated locally; counties and the Governor can impose burn bans (county bans last up to 30 days, extendable). Propane/gas stoves, charcoal grills, and tobacco are exempt from county bans. Confirm with local authorities first.
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Open Burning Rules in states bordering Pennsylvania
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- DelawareRestricted
Most open burning is banned during Ozone Season, May 1–Sept 30 (7 DE Admin Code 1113, DNREC Air Quality). Residential brush burning allowed Oct 1–Apr 30, 8am–4pm, with fire-board notice. Burning leaves/grass/trash always illegal; banned on Air Quality Action Days.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dnrec.delaware.gov · Full Delaware rule →
- MarylandConditional
In or within 200 ft of woodland, open air burning is allowed only 4 p.m.–midnight (anytime if snow-covered) with a 10-ft cleared firebreak, on-site supervision, and equipment present. A DNR permit is required; burns over 1 acre need a burn plan.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dnr.maryland.gov · Full Maryland rule →
- New JerseyRestricted
Any fire in or adjacent to forest with wildfire potential is prohibited without a permit from the NJ Forest Fire Service. A written permit is required in municipalities with firewardens. Burning rubbish, leaves, garbage or structures is prohibited; fines up to $5,000.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dep.nj.gov · Full New Jersey rule →
- New YorkRestricted
Burning trash/leaves is illegal year-round. Brush burning is banned statewide each year March 16-May 14. Outside that window, on-site brush burning is allowed only in towns under 20,000 residents (permit required in Adirondack/Catskill 'fire towns').
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dec.ny.gov · Full New York rule →
- OhioRestricted
Under ORC 1503.18, open burning of debris in unincorporated areas is prohibited 6 a.m.-6 p.m. during March, April, May, October and November. Outside those hours/months burning of clean plant matter may be allowed; trash burning is always illegal.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: ohiodnr.gov · Full Ohio rule →
- West VirginiaRestricted
During spring (Mar 1–May 31) and fall (Oct 1–Dec 31) fire seasons, outdoor burning is banned 7 AM–5 PM; legal only 5 PM–7 AM with all fire out by 7 AM. Requires a cleared 10-ft safety ring and attendance; violation up to $1,000 fine. Allowed anytime with 1+ inch snow cover.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: wvforestry.com · Full West Virginia rule →
We watch the official sources behind Pennsylvania burn bans rules. If a tracked rule changes, you get one short email — never more than one a week. Free, unsubscribe anytime.