What is a burn ban? Map shows where fire restrictions are in effect in Pennsylvania, New Jersey
Dry air, fire weather risks and pervasive drought have led to burn bans across the Philadelphia region. The goal of these bans is to prevent wildfires and brush fires, which are almost entirely human-caused. Smokey Bear has his catchphrase for a reason.
Almost our entire viewing area is under a burn ban, though definitions of what is and isn't allowed may vary in your area.
Pay attention to the rules in your area because violations could carry civil and/or criminal punishments.
Burn bans in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources prohibited all fires in state parks and forests on Tuesday, Nov. 5 until further notice.
Under a burn ban, garbage, leaves, grass, twigs, litter, paper or any other debris can not be burned outdoors, whether in a burn barrel, fire ring or on the ground.
The ban doesn't apply to propane gas stoves, charcoal grills or tobacco. A campfire can be made in a fire ring that confines and contains the fire.
As of Nov. 16, these are the countywide burn bans in effect across the Philadelphia area.
- Berks County - Saturday, November 2, 2024, through Monday, December 2, 2024.
- Bucks County - Sunday, October 27, 2024, through Monday, November 25, 2024.
- Chester County - Sunday, October 27, 2024, through Monday, November 25, 2024.
- Delaware County - Thursday, November 7, 2024, for 30 days unless extended.
- Lehigh County - Friday, Nov. 15, 2024 through Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024.
- Montgomery County - 12 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 through Monday, Dec. 16, 2024
- Northampton County - Sunday, November 10, 2024 through Monday, Dec. 9, 2024
A spokesperson for the Philadelphia Fire Department said there is no burn ban in place in the city.
The DCNR keeps a map of burn bans across the state, though some from the Philadelphia region have not yet been added. If you're living outside the Philadelphia area, check for your county on DCNR's map here.
Be aware that your township or city government could enact a burn ban locally if there is not one in place countywide.
"If you plan to burn, be sure to check with your local authorities to confirm burning is permitted," DCNR says. "Local municipalities and county offices may have additional burning restrictions or ban information."
Burn bans in New Jersey
You can track restrictions in New Jersey on the New Jersey Forest Fire Service's website.
All three regions of the state – North, South and Central – were under "extreme" fire danger, the highest possible rating, on Saturday, Nov. 9 as crews worked to put out multiple major wildfires. As of Wednesday, Nov. 20, the regions were all under "very high" fire danger.
The NJFFS said a Stage 3 campfire restriction is in effect. This means all fires in wooded areas are prohibited unless they are in an elevated propane, gas or electric stove. No charcoal fires are allowed.
Burn bans in Delaware
The Delaware State Fire Marshal enacted a burn ban on Oct. 15 for all outdoor burning. Here's what's forbidden under the ban:
- Bonfires
- Controlled burnings, including leaves and yard debris
- Agricultural burnings
- Fires for land clearing
- Fires for demolition and hazard removal
- Outdoor rubbish fires
You can light a campfire only if it's in an area cleared of combustible material and surrounded by a ring of non-combustible material at least 3 feet by 3 feet. Use the campfire for cooking only.
Grills and hibachis are allowed in areas cleared of surrounding combustible material.
Common causes of wildfires
Wildfires can start from carelessly discarded matches, cigarette butts and campfire ash and embers. Other causes could be machinery, like a lawnmower or leafblower that malfunctions and provides a spark.
A car backfiring or a part scraping the ground could also provide the spark.
How you can protect your home from wildfires
If you live close to the wildland-urban interface especially, you should take steps to protect your home. The PA DCNR recommends these steps:
- Keep a 5-foot perimeter around your home clear of combustible materials.
- Create breaks within the landscape between 5 and 30 feet from your home.
A much more detailed guide is available on the National Fire Protection Association's website.
