Township prepares coordinated public burn areas ahead of holiday observance.
Lakewood, NJ – Lakewood Township has announced nine designated public sites for the annual burning of chametz ahead of Passover, including a newly added location to accommodate growing participation in the tradition.
Officials said the sites will be open Wednesday, April 1, from 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with multiple agencies coordinating logistics and safety, including the Lakewood Police Department, Department of Public Works, Fire Department, and Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office.
The annual practice, known as Biur Chametz, involves the burning of leavened food products that are prohibited during Passover under Jewish law.
Key Points
- Lakewood sets 9 public chametz burning sites for April 1
- New location added at West Gate to expand access
- Multiple agencies coordinating safety and operations
Full list of burn site locations
The township released the following locations for public use:
- ShoreTown Ballpark – 2 Stadium Way
- 9th Street and Clifton Avenue
- 7th Street and Private Way
- Frank Bartolf Sports Complex – 336 Brook Road
- Khal Zichron Yaakov – 175 Sunset Road
- John F. Patrick Sports Complex (Soccer Parking Lot) – 1111 Vine Avenue
- Larry D’Zio Park – Locust Street and New Hampshire Avenue
- Pine Park – West County Line Road (Front Parking Lot)
- West Gate – Hillside Boulevard and Brisk Lane (new site)
Officials noted the addition of the West Gate location is intended to improve accessibility and reduce crowding at other sites.
Jackson Township plans not yet finalized
While Lakewood has finalized its locations, Jackson Township has not yet confirmed burn sites for this year. In 2025, multiple locations were made available, including:
- Jackson Fire Station 55 – 113 North New Prospect Road
- Johnson Memorial Park – 192 Kierych Memorial Drive
- Royal Grove Shul – 518 East Veterans Highway
- Rosenauer School – 60 Citadel Drive
Local fire officials in Jackson have previously coordinated these events, with public safety guidance in place for residents participating in the burns.
Tradition rooted in Passover observance
Chametz refers to leavened food made from wheat, barley, rye, oats, or spelt that has come into contact with water and fermented. Under Jewish law, such items cannot be eaten, owned, or benefited from during Passover.
Common examples include bread, pasta, baked goods, and beer. The removal and burning of chametz symbolizes both adherence to religious law and the broader theme of renewal associated with the holiday.
Residents are encouraged to use designated sites and follow all safety guidance during the burn period.