Burning

Burning for DISPOSAL purposes is ILLEGAL in Upper Providence Township and subject to fines.

Unauthorized Burning:

Open burning.  The burning of materials for disposal purposes, regardless of whether they are confined to a container or not, is strictly prohibited.  This means that you cannot legally burn trash, yard waste, demolition waste, insulation, shingles, treated wood, paint, painted or stained objects or furniture, tires, mattresses, box springs, metal, insulating coating on wire, television sets and appliances, automobiles, automotive parts, batteries, PVC products, waste oil, and other petroleum products.

Yard waste such as leaves, grass clippings, sticks, and branches can be taken to the Township’s Compost Site.

Allowable Burning:

Portable outdoor fireplaces. Outdoor fireplaces, outdoor patio stoves, chimineas, and factory-built metal novelty stoves can be used without a permit on private property within the Township.  These devices shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and shall not be operated within fifteen (15) feet of a structure or combustible material.  Only firewood is permitted to be burned in these devices, any other material is prohibited.

Recreational Fires. Fires not contained within a portable outdoor fireplace, and with a fuel diameter of less than (3) feet and a fuel height of less than two (2) feet, used for leisure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth, or similar purposes are allowed without a permit.  Recreational fires shall not be conducted within twenty-five (25) feet of any structure or combustible materials.  Only firewood shall be used as fuel for recreational fires.

All fires must be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished.  A minimum of one (1) portable fire extinguished with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment shall be available for immediate use at all times until extinguishment.

Fires creating or adding to a hazardous or objectionable situation may be ordered by any fire official or police officer to be extinguished.