If you choose to burn wood, reduce particle pollution with these steps: Only burn seasoned, dry wood, which burns hotter and cleaner. Incomplete Combustion Incomplete combustion typically occurs when wood is burned in a campfire, bonfire, fire pit, chiminea or similar device and can result in large amounts of smoke and un-burnt particulate matter.

If open burning is allowed in your community, contact your local fire department to obtain an open burning permit in advance. The pollutants released by open burning also make it more difficult to meet health-based air quality standards, especially in or near large cities. Open burning can release many kinds of toxic fumes. Leaves and plant materials send aloft millions of spores when they catch fire, causing many people with allergies to have difficulty breathing. DEEP: Open Burning - Campfires, Bonfires, Fire Pits, Chimineas.

The burning of wood in a campfire, bonfire, chiminea or other similar devices is prohibited if the burning is conducted so that it creates a nuisance for neighbors or it is in violation of any restrictions imposed … Please check with your local Open Burning Official, Fire Marshal or town hall for any restrictions or requirements. Use a moisture meter to check firewood; moisture content is best at about 20 percent. Enjoy Your Fire Pit Responsibly. Be a good neighbor when burning and consider your neighbors, as well as wind direction. Rules for Fire Pits - Open Burning There are multiple rules regarding fire pits in the State of New Jersey depending upon the fuel the pit burns, the size of the container the fire is in and whether or not the fireplace structure is permanent and approved.

Weather and air quality can change rapidly, especially in the spring, and fire departments can rescind permits when that happens. State fire wardens determine each day whether conditions are safe for open burning.