The Plumstead Township Board of Supervisors adopted the following Open Burn Policy on September 20, 2005. Questions about open burning may be addressed to the Township's fire marshal at 215-766-8914 or by e-mail.
Burn Permits
Open burning of any type in Plumstead Township requires a permit. Link here for permit form.
Allowed Burning
Open burning in Plumstead Township is allowed for the following:
- Agriculture burning
- Campfires
- Ceremonial fires
Permit fee for these three types of burning: Exempt/No Fee
Yard Waste
Pennsylvania law requires the recycling of all yard waste in Plumstead Township. Yard waste is defined as leaves, garden residues, shrubbery and tree trimmings and similar materials, but not grass clippings.Under no circumstances will the burning of leaves be permitted.Open burning of other yard waste will only be allowed in special circumstances.A burn permit can be obtained for yard waste when the following requirements are met:
1. The applicant’s property must be three acres or larger
2. The applicant must have made, to the satisfaction of the Township, every reasonable effort to recycle (through composting, small-limb curb pickup, and on-site chipping) his or her yard waste.Burning of the remaining yard waste is determined by the Township to be the only reasonable option for removal. Factors supporting such a determination are:
- the presence of extensive invasive species deemed unsuitable for composting and chipping
- the inaccessibility of the waste pile to chipping equipment
- trees/limbs and agriculture items, if taken to the curbside, could create a hazard or is physically impossible
3. The Township Fire Marshal has inspected the site before burning starts and has confirmed that the site meets all requirements.
4. Permit fee as specified in the Plumstead Township fee schedule is paid.
After a yard waste burn permit has been issued; the following regulations must be followed:
1. The location for burning shall be at least 50 feet from any building on the applicant’s property, at least 100 feet from the applicant’s property line, and at least 200 feet from any neighboring habitable building.
2. Weather conditions must be acceptable for burning, according to the Township’s Fire Marshal.|
3. All burning must be extinguished at least one hour before dusk.
4. Applicant must call fire dispatch at 215-345-1411 at least one hour before the burn begins, and immediately after the burn is extinguished.
5. The fire must not be left unattended.
6. The applicant or his or her agent must be able to control/ extinguish the fire at all times.
7. The Fire Marshal shall order the extinguishment of any open burning that creates or adds to a hazardous or objectionable situation including excessive smoke.
Permits for the burning of yard waste meeting the exceptions listed will be issued no more than twice per calendar year per property.
Other Materials
No trash, lumber, leaves, plastic or other materials may be burned at any time.
If you have any questions regarding open burning requirements in Plumstead Township, please contact the Fire Marshal at 215-766-8914.
Open burning is dangerous. While the Fire Marshal will be conducting an inspection, you are burning at your own risk and it is your responsibility to make sure you open burn safely. 
