Mantua Township Fire District
Fire Prevention Bureau
155 E. Union Ave. Sewell, N.J. 08080
NEW JERSEY UNIFORM FIRE CODE AND THE NEW JERSEY FOREST FIRE SERVICE
OPEN BURNING GUIDELINES
-The following are guidelines for recreational fires/fire pits, bonfires and agricultural burn permits. Any open burning activity not specifically addressed herein should reference the NJUFC
and the NJFFS
-A site plan may be required by the Fire Marshal prior to event
-This requirement fact sheet may not be all inclusive of the requirements of the NJUFC and/or the NJFFS
FIRE SAFETY PERMIT
-Summary: permits for recreational fire (outdoor fire containers) are not required, BUT bonfires are required to have a permit, if once approved by the Mantua Township Fire Marshal’s
Office and /or the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
OUTDOOR FIRE CONTAINERS/CHIMNEYS
-Summary: fires must be in approved, permitted containers and be located not less than 15 feet from any structure. Generally speaking, fire containers from local home store (Home Depot,
Lowes, Wal-Mart, Target) are acceptable as long as they are used as intended by manufactures guidelines.
-Special restrictions: multi-family occupancy common areas have stricter restrictions or may not be permitted at all to use outdoor fire containers, chimneys, and or any open flame cooking
device. For questions regarding these restrictions contact the Mantua Township Fire Prevention Bureau 856-468-7222.
NEW JERSEY FOREST FIRE SERVICE REGULATIONS SUMMARIZED
-Fire permits-forest fire laws of title 13, Chapter 9 New Jersey State Forest Fire Service declared that: “No persons shall set fire to or cause to be set on fire in any manner whatsoever: or to
start fires anywhere and permit them to spread to forest without obtaining written permission by the department.”
-The “General Forest Fire Act” (N.J.S.A. 13:9 et. Seq.) requires that before having any fire within a forested area , you must contact the nearest Forest Fire Service office to request a permit.
You may also need a permit from the local Fire Marshal /Official.
-No permits will be issued for a fire that is in violation of the State Air Pollution Code or conflicts with the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code.
-Fire wardens may place any restrictions or special conditions on burning those local conditions may warrant.
-Prohibited Under “Control and Prohibition of Open Burning” (N.J.A.C. 7:27-2.1 et. Seq.)
* Salvage operations by open burning
* The disposal of rubbish, garbage, trade waste, buildings or structures by open burning
* The disposal of fallen leaves by open burning
