Beach fire rules for East Hampton and Southampton.

Which beaches use each set of rules?

Use this list to identify whether a beach is managed by a Town or Village. It does not mean a fire is automatically allowed. Check the current rules, access, closures, and permit conditions for the specific beach.

East Hampton Town rules

These rules apply to East Hampton Town beaches outside incorporated Villages and state or county parks.

• Permit: A standard fire that follows Town Code § 141-19 does not need a separate burn permit. A larger fire or bonfire requires advance approval and a Town burning permit.
• Hours: Start after 5:00 p.m. and put the fire out before midnight.
• Container and fuel: Use a metal container and whole natural wood.
• Size: The fuel area cannot be more than 30 inches across or 24 inches high.
• Water and supervision: Keep a 2-gallon water bucket within 10 feet. An adult must watch the fire at all times.
• Distance: Stay at least 50 feet from vegetation and structures and 100 feet from a lifeguard stand. If the beach is too narrow, the first distance can be reduced to 25 feet, but no less.
• Wind: Do not have a fire when wind is above 20 mph. An officer may require you to put it out when wind is above 10 mph or conditions are unsafe.
• Questions: Call the East Hampton Town Fire Marshal at 631-329-3473.

Southampton Town rules

A fire at a Southampton Town beach facility requires written approval.

• Permit: Apply for a Facility Use Permit. The Town beach guide also calls this a Special Use Permit.
• Who can apply: The applicant must be a Southampton Town resident or taxpayer age 21 or older and must attend the event. Short-term renters should ask the homeowner and Town Parks & Recreation who can apply.
• Hours: The event, including setup and cleanup, must take place from 6:00–11:00 p.m.
• Fire: Use a small wood or charcoal fire inside a metal container. Bonfires are not allowed.
• Size and water: The Town does not publish one fire-size limit or required amount of water for every permit. Follow the conditions on the approved permit.
• Fee: The 2026 facility fee starts at $50 for 1–24 people without parking waivers. Larger groups, late applications, and changes may cost more.
• Other approvals: Parking waivers, drive-on access, catering, and public events may require separate approval.
• Questions: Call Southampton Town Parks & Recreation at 631-728-8585.

East Hampton Village and Southampton Village rules

Village beaches do not use the surrounding Town rules. Other incorporated Villages may also have their own rules.

Firewood rules

Use legal, dry firewood and keep its source information.

• Allowed wood: Use dry, clean, untreated, and unpainted wood. Charcoal is allowed only where local rules allow it.
• Do not burn: Trash, construction wood, pallets, plastic, metal, or glass.
• Do not use: Gasoline, kerosene, or lighter fluid to start the fire.
• Transport limit: New York generally does not allow untreated firewood to be moved more than 50 miles from its source.
• Labels: Untreated wood should have a receipt or label showing its source. Wood moved farther must have approved heat-treated or pest-free labeling.
• Seasoned wood: Dry, seasoned wood is easier to light and creates less smoke than wet or green wood. Seasoned does not mean certified heat-treated.

Hamptons Beach Co supplies seasoned, dry split wood in a portable tub. Wood species and split sizes may vary.

Putting out the fire and cleaning up

Use water and remove everything before you leave.

• Watch the fire: An adult must stay with it at all times.
• Put it out: Add water, stir the wood and ash, and repeat until there is no heat, smoke, or live ember.
• Do not use sand: Do not bury the fire.
• Clean up: Remove the container, unused wood, ash, and all trash.

The Hamptons Beach Co Fire Pit & Wood rental includes a metal fire pit, one bundle of seasoned dry firewood, and a 2-gallon water bucket. We deliver to your Hamptons house or approved property, not to the beach.

You are responsible for checking the rules, getting permits and access, moving the equipment, watching the fire, bringing any additional water or safety equipment, and cleaning up. The included 2-gallon bucket meets East Hampton Town's listed amount. It does not meet Southampton Village's requirement for 5 gallons of water or a 4-A fire extinguisher. For a Southampton Town facility, follow the amount listed on the permit.