Trenton Fire Marshal Sets the Record Straight on Backyard Fires

The City of Trenton does allow backyard fires in an open pit or an enclosed outdoor fire place according to Trenton Fire Marshal Jeff Evans.

However, Evans said there are specific rules residents must abide by when lighting a fire in their backyard.

Here are the rules found on the City of Trenton website:

1. Backyard fires in an open pit are allowed without a permit as long as they are less than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height. They must also be 25 feet from any structure or combustible material.
2. If the fire is in a commercially available model such as an enclosed outdoor fireplace or screened fire pit, the distance from structures and combustibles is reduced to 15 feet up, but is always susceptible to an officer's discretion.
3. The fire shall be supervised at all times until extinguished. You must have a portable fire extinguisher, a garden hose or sand on hand for extinguishment.
4. Only firewood will be allowed to be burned. The burning of leaves, grass, paper, refuse and old building material is strictly prohibited.
5. Any burning that causes noxious smoke, toxic odor, or smoke of significant quantity or quality to be released, so as to inhibit the use and enjoyment of neighboring property, is hereby declared a nuisance and is strictly prohibited.