Ohio Outdoor Fire Laws
Ohio Revised Code 1503.18 Regarding Kindled Fires
O.R.C. 1503.18 is under the authority of the Ohio Division of Forestry.
This law prohibits outdoor open burning statewide in unincorporated areas during the months of March, April, May, October, and November between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
This ban includes the burning of yard waste, trash, and debris, even in a proper burn barrel.
During spring, wildfire danger is high before plants have turned green, and in fall, fire danger is high due to abundant dry leaves and dead grass. Warm, windy weather in both seasons also contribute to elevated fire risk. Always be sure to use a proper burn barrel when burning outdoors during legal hours.
What To Know
These burning restrictions are imposed in the months of March, April, May, October and November.
The ban is in place between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. during these months.
Outside of the burning ban, state laws prohibit the burning of food waste and animals at any time or place, as well as materials containing rubber, grease and asphalt, or made from petroleum. Here are some other restrictions for burning in Ohio:
- Fires must be more than 1,000 feet from neighbor’s inhabited building
- No burning when air pollution alert, warning, or emergency is in effect
- Fire/smoke cannot obscure visibility on roadway, railways, or airfields
- No waste generated off the premises may be burned
- No burning within village or city limits or restricted areas
Open burning can release many kinds of
toxic fumes. Leaves and plant materials send
aloft millions of spores when they catch fire,
causing many people with allergies to have
difficulty breathing.
The pollutants released by open burning also
make it more difficult to meet health-based air
quality standards, especially in or near large
cities. The gases released by open burning can
also corrode metal siding and damage paint
on buildings.
Ohio EPA has the authority to enforce the state’s open burning laws. Violations can result in substantial penalties. If you have any questions, or would like to report a suspected open burning incident, contact your Ohio EPA district office or your local air agency.
Ohio Administrative Code 3745.19 Regarding Outdoor Burning
The Ohio EPA notification requires OAC 3745.19 for many open burns in Ohio.
Call 614-644-2270 with questions or visit: www.epa.ohio.gov/dapc/general/ openburning.aspx for complete rules and to find your local EPA office or air pollution control agency.
EPA Basics for Homeowners
Materials NEVER to be burned at any time or any place in Ohio:
- Food Waste
- Dead Animals
- Materials containing rubber, grease, asphalt, or made from petroleum
Other Restrictions:
- Fires must be more than 1,000 feet from a neighbor’s inhabited building
- No burning when an air pollution alert, warning, or emergency is in effect
- Fire/smoke cannot obscure visibility on the roadway, railways, or airfields
- No waste generated off the premises may be burned
- No burning within village or city limits or restricted areas
Source for Content: Ohio EPA