Bonfire Rugulations
At Island Beach State Park

Where can we have a Bonfire in Bergen County?

We are a grope of people that what to have a bonfire at night somewhere in Bergen county NJ to celebrate a holiday.
Where we can have it and what permit do we need?
Thanks.
Reply:
Hi:
New Jersey municipalities have very restrictive ordinances against bonfires. My suggestion is to select several venues where you would like to hold the event and contact the venue and/or the municipality to determine if a bonfire is permitted and what permits are required.

Where Can I Have a Beach Bonfire Party With Music?

by Amber
(West Orange NJ)

I am planning a beach graduation party in early June and I was wondering if there were any beaches in NJ where I could make a small bonfire and play music. I was thinking of having live music and music through speakers.

Do I need a noise permit or a permit for bonfires? Also, I am planning for my party to run from 7:30pm-12:00am.

Would I be able to do this? And what beaches would permit me to have a party where I can play loud music, have a bonfire and have it run until 12:00 am? Thank you!

Frank's Reply:

Hi Amber,

New Jersey public beaches have very strict ordinances regarding nighttime beach parties with bonfires and the playing of amplified music.

If you can be more flexible, you may want to consider Belmar. NJ
Open Burning Bonfire Permit ($42 plus $100 for a security deposit, Summer 2013)
Contact: Belmar Police Department – 732.681.1700, Office of the Fire Marshal – 732.681.3700 extension 235
Website:

Belmar Open Burning Bonfire Regulations:

The following is a list of fire safety regulations that must be followed: before, during and after an open burn or bonfire permit has been issued. You as the permit holder are responsible for full compliance with all fire safety regulations.
• The location is ONLY granted on the Beach between 2nd and 3rd Avenues
o (Unless Otherwise Authorized by Fire Marshal)
• Any open burn or bonfire shall not be less than fifty- (50)-feet from any structure. (i.e. Boardwalk, Fishing Pier)
• Any open burn or bonfire must be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. The permit holder is deemed the responsible person and must remain in attendance for the duration of the burn to assure maximum safety and compliance.
• At least one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating, two portable fire extinguishers with a minimum 2-A rating each, or other approved on-site fire extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water, or fire apparatus shall be available for immediate utilization for extinguishment.
o Fire Extinguisher ratings are located on the fire extinguisher.
o Fire Extinguisher must be purchased new or be certified and tagged same for within the calendar year
• Open Burn or bonfire sizes shall not be more than five (5) feet, by five (5) feet in dimension and height and shall not burn longer than three (3) hours and is only permitted during the hours of 7 pm to 10 pm.
• At any time the Fire Marshal has the authority to restrict or limit the actual size and location of the open burn or bonfire based on safety and atmospheric conditions.
• Fuel for open burning or bonfires shall consist of only seasoned dry firewood and must be ignited with a small amount of paper. The fire shall not be used for waste disposal purposes, and the fuel shall be chosen to minimize the generation of air contaminants.
• No structures are permitted to be constructed or placed on the beach (tents, huts, etc.)
• No amplified music is permitted. Any other types of music must end by no later than 10 pm.
• At any time the Fire Marshal, Police Chief or their designees has the authority to adjust, or terminate any fire or fire permit that is deemed offensive, objectionable or hazardous due to smoke odor or emissions or when atmospheric conditions and/or local circumstances make such hazards.
• After the fire:
o Assure the fire is out. Utilize sand, water or your fire extinguisher if necessary.
o ALL Ashes and or fire debris MUST be buried in the sand within your fire pit when complete; including partially burned or consumed material.
 DO NOT DISPOSE OF ANY ASHES, WOOD or ANY other BURNED material into ANY TRASH RECEPTICLE or GARBAGE CAN.

All the best on your June bgraduation party.

Frank

Are Bonfires Allowed On Any Beaches In NJ?

by Tina
(Washington Twp, NJ)

Are bonfires allowed on any beaches in NJ? How about with a permit?
Frank's Reply
Hi Tina;
New Jersey has very strict ordinances against the setting of bonfires on a beach.

If have a large group and want to hire a caterer to have a bonfire in connection with a party or to celebrate an event; here are some suggestions:

Martell's Tiki Bar
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
Tel: 732-892-0131
Can cater a private party on the beach with a BBQ for 50 or more

Donovan's Reef
Sea Bright, New Jersey
(732) 842-8646
or (732) 233-6353
They host company picnics, outings, birthday party's, and private party's with a complete seafood or landlubber menu and drink packages. Also you get to use their private beach and can bring your own kayaks, boogie boards or other water toys. They also have a sand volleyball court on a newly 500' long beach.

Are Bonfire's on Avalon beaches Permitted?

by John C
(Brooklyn, NY)

Do you need a permit or is it ok or not ok to have a bonfire on the beach in Avalon, NJ?

Reply:
Hi John;
New Jersey has very restrictive beach ordinances and bonfires are not permitted in Avalon, NJ.
Regards,
Frank Dalotto

Can I Have A Beach Party in New Jersey
With a Bonfire and Alcohol?

I want to throw a beach party and I was wondering what beach around Central Jersey allows bonfires and alcoholic drinks? Are there time limits & do I need a permit? Thanks!
Hi;
New Jersey beaches have very tight restrictions and alcoholic drinks and bonfires are not permitted.
Regards,
Frank Dalotto

Looking for a Beach to Throw a Beach Party
with a Bonfire, BBQ, and Drinking.

by josh
(union, nj)

Hi, i'm looking for a place to do beach party for my employees. I would like to know what beach can i do this at.

I would like to do a BBQ, a bonfire, and maybe some drinks.

Thanks,
Josh

Hi Josh:

New Jersey beaches do not allow privately run beach parties that include bonfire's, BBQing, and drinking.

However, here are some places that can cater and run a private party on the beach for your employees:

Donovan's Reef
Sea Bright, New Jersey
(732) 842-8646
or (732) 233-6353
They host company picnics, outings, birthday party's, and private party's with a complete seafood or landlubber menu and drink packages. Also you get to use their private beach and can bring your own kayaks, boogie boards or other water toys. They also have a sand volleyball court on a newly 500' long beach.

Martell's Tiki Bar
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
Tel: 732-892-0131
Can cater a private party on the beach with a BBQ for 50 or more.

Have fun,
Frank Dalotto

Can I Have A Winter Bonfire On The Beach In Atlantic City?

by Naomi Washington-Roque
(New Brunswick NJ)

We have a beach house in Atlantic city for the winter. Are we allowed to have a bonfire on the beach or in general? Would having it at the house be a sole decision of the owner?
Frank's Reply:

Hi Naomi,
Jersey Shore towns have very restrictive beach ordinances and bonfires are not permitted on the beach.

Alternatively, having a bonfire on the property of the home you are staying at also encounters restrictions. I strongly suggest this be discussed with the owner of the property, and if they are OK with it, I would then contact the town office to clear it with them.