Open Burn Ordinance & Fact Sheet

Welcome to the Penn Township Open Burn Ordinance information page. Here, you’ll find essential details about the updated 2022-02 Open Burn Ordinance, including permitted burning hours, restrictions, and responsibilities.

Permitted Hours of Burning

Burning is allowed from sunrise to sunset, with adult supervision required at all times. Fires must be kept at least 20 feet from structures and property lines.

Non-Permitted Hours of Burning

Burning is prohibited after dark, on Sundays, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, and during State, County, or Township-issued burn bans. Outdoor fireplaces and grills used for food preparation are exempt.

Residential Outdoor Burning

Permitted materials include:

• Yard waste (leaves, grass clippings, tree trimmings, etc.)
• Clearing and grubbing waste (trees, shrubs, and native vegetation)
• Domestic refuse (family dwelling waste, excluding appliances, demolition waste, furniture, mattresses, paint, solvents, tires, carpet, or treated wood)

Recreational Fires

Bonfires and campfires using natural, untreated wood with a fuel source not exceeding 18 cubic feet are permitted, provided they comply with the 2022-02 Open Burn Ordinance. Fires must be attended and extinguished after the activity. Larger fires require prior approval from a Duly Authorized Agent.

Domestic Refuse Burning

Burning must be confined to a covered, non-combustible container in good repair with a half-inch or smaller wire mesh screen. A water supply or extinguishing agent should be available.

Special Circumstances and Controlled Burns

For unconstrained fires or burning outside permitted times, obtain special permission from a Duly Authorized Agent. Notify Cumberland County Communications Control Center at (717) 243-4121 before ignition and after completion.

Responsibilities and Penalties

Burning under adverse weather conditions, unsupervised, or unsafely is prohibited. Duly Authorized Agents may extinguish fires and require corrective action or property access. Violations can result in fines, penalties, and liability for damages and response costs.

For more information, consult the 2022-02 Open Burn Ordinance on the Township website or request a copy from the Township Office.