OHIO FIRE CODE

OAC 3745.29

OAC3745.19 is enforced by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  EPA permission is required for many types of open burns in Ohio.

Ohio Revised Code: 1301:7-7-03  Link

(G) Section 307 Open burning, recreational fires and portable outdoor fireplaces

• 307.1 General. A person shall not kindle or maintain or authorize to be kindled or maintained any open burning unless conducted and approved in accordance with paragraphs (G)(1)(a)(307.1.1) to (G)(5)(307.5) of this rule.

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• 307.1.1 Prohibited open burning. Open burning shall be prohibited when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous.

Exception: Setting a back fire for the purpose of reducing the impact of a wildland fire as set forth in sections 1503.11 and 1503.22 of the Revised Code or from any prescribed burn operations authorized under section 1503.18 of the Revised Code.

• 307.1.2 Ban on open burning, recreational fires, and portable outdoor fireplaces. The state fire marshal, in the sole discretion of the state fire marshal, may issue a ban on open burning, recreational fires, or the use of portable outdoor fireplaces at any time when the state fire marshal determines that atmospheric or drought or other environmental conditions necessitate such a ban. The ban may be issued state-wide or may be tailored to a specific area, region or county of the state as conditions warrant.

  • No open burning or recreational fires shall occur and no portable outdoor fireplaces shall be used in any area where a ban is in effect or at any time during a period when the state fire marshal has issued a ban.

  • No permit authorizing open burning, recreational fires or the use of portable outdoor fireplaces shall be issued during anytime or in any area where a ban has been issued by the state fire marshal. (Exception: A permit authorizing open burning, recreational fires, or the use of portable outdoor fireplaces may be issued for any area, if any, that is not subject to the ban.)

  • Nothing in this paragraph shall prohibit a local fire code official with authority to do so from issuing a local ban on open burning, recreational fires, or the use of portable outdoor fireplaces at any time when conditions warrant, including during times when the state fire marshal has issued a ban as long as the local ban does not contradict the ban issued by the state fire marshal.

• 307.2 Permit required. A permit shall be obtained from the fire code official in accordance with rule 1301:7-7-01 of the Administrative Code prior to kindling a fire for recognized silvicultural or range or wildlife management practices, prevention or control of disease or pests, or a bonfire. Application for such approval shall only be presented by and permits issued to the owner of the land upon which the fire is to be kindled.

  • 307.2.1 Authorization. Where required by state or local law or regulations, open burning shall only be permitted with prior approval from the state or local air and water quality management authority, provided that all conditions specified in the authorization are followed.

• 307.3 Extinguishment authority. Where open burning creates or adds to a hazardous situation, or a required permit for open burning has not been obtained, the fire code official is authorized to order the extinguishment of the open burning operation.

• 307.4 Location. The location for open burning shall not be less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) from any structure, and provisions shall be made to prevent the fire from spreading to within 50 feet (15 240 mm) of any structure.

• Exceptions:

1. Fires in approved containers that are not less than 15 feet (4572 mm) from a structure.

2. The minimum required distance from a structure shall be 25 feet (7620 mm) where the pile size is 3 feet (914 mm) or less in diameter and 2 feet (610 mm) or less in height.

   • 307.4.1 Bonfires. A bonfire shall not be conducted within 50 feet (15 240 mm) of a structure or combustible material unless the fire is contained in a barbecue pit. Conditions that could cause a fire to spread within 50 feet (15 240 mm) of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.

   • 307.4.2 Recreational fires. Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet (7620 mm) of a structure or combustible material. Conditions that could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet (7620 mm) of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.

     • 307.4.2.1 Fire pits. Recreational fires conducted in gas-fired recreational pits shall not be conducted within 15 feet of a structure or combustible materials.

   • 307.4.3 Portable outdoor fireplaces. Portable outdoor fireplaces shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and shall not be operated within 15 feet (3048 mm) of a structure or combustible material.

Exception: Portable outdoor fireplaces used at one-and two-family dwellings.

• 307.5 Attendance. Open burning, bonfires, recreational fires and use of portable outdoor fireplaces shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher complying with paragraph (F)(906) of rule 1301:7-7-09 of the Administrative Code with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose or water truck, shall be available for immediate utilization.

Questions?

Call 614-644-2207 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.