Before You Light It...
Know Ohio's Open Burning Regulations

What is "open burning"?

You are open burning anytime you light an outdoor fire.  In the past, many materials  including leaves, tree trimmings, tires and construction debris  were routinely burned outdoors.

 

 

 

What is illegal to burn?
Some materials may not be burned anywhere in the state at any time.

Materials containing rubber, grease, and asphalt or petroleum for instance, tires, cars and auto parts, plastic, or plastic coated wire.

Garbage is any waste created in the process of handling, preparing, cooking, or consumption of food.

Dead animals

Some kinds of wastes, such as leaves and grass clippings, cannot be burned in certain locations, know as restricted areas.  With a few exceptions, open burning is not permitted in a restricted area.


What is a Restricted Area?
    • Within the boundaries of any municipal corporation;

    • Within corporation limits and a 1,000-foot zone outside any municipal corporation with a population of 1,000 to 10,000;

    • Within the cooperation limits and a one-mile zone outside any municipal corporation with a population of more than 10,000.

 

Types of burning permitted anywhere: (no permit required)
Cooking for human consumption (barbeques and cook-outs in approved containers);

Heating tar;

Welding and acetylene torches;

Smudge pots and similar occupational needs; and

Heating for warmth of outdoor worker and strikers (restricted to a 55-gallon drum)

Fires must be kept to a minimum size for their intended purpose, and shall not be used for waste disposal purposes.


What will happen if I'm caught illegally open burning?
Violations can result in substantial penalties

If you have any questions, or would like to report a suspected open burning, contact the Munroe Falls Fire Department (330) 688-7493 after 5 p.m. to report open burning to:

Munroe Falls Fire Department call (330) 688-3555 or

Akron Regional Air Quality Management District -Ohio EPA (330) 375-2480

 

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