COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio’s seasonal outdoor burning restrictions are now in effect, limiting when residents can conduct open burns during October and November as the state enters its fall wildfire season.
Under Ohio law, most open burning in unincorporated areas is prohibited between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. during October and November. The restriction is in place through Nov. 30. A similar seasonal restriction is in effect during March, April and May.
The rule is designed to reduce the potential for outdoor fires to escape control and spread into grass, brush and wooded areas during periods when wildfire conditions can increase.
Why does Ohio restrict burning in the fall?
According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry, fall brings several conditions that can make outdoor fires more difficult to control.
As vegetation dries out and leaves accumulate, fires can spread quickly, particularly when combined with low humidity and gusty winds. A fire that begins as a small debris pile can spread into surrounding grass, brush or forest before a person has an opportunity to extinguish it.
ODNR is urging Ohioans to use caution with any outdoor fire and to consider alternatives to burning whenever possible.
What does the restriction cover?
The seasonal restriction applies to open burning such as the burning of leaves, brush, yard waste and other debris in areas covered by the state law.
Residents should also remember that a fire being contained in a burn barrel does not necessarily exempt it from Ohio’s open-burning regulations.
The restriction does not mean that every outdoor fire is prohibited at all times. Certain burning may be allowed between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., depending on the type of fire and other state and local regulations. Local governments and fire departments may also have additional rules.
Ohio EPA regulations governing open burning also remain applicable.
Some materials cannot be burned
State regulations prohibit burning certain materials, including food waste, dead animals and materials containing rubber, grease, asphalt or petroleum products.
Residents should check with their local fire department before burning to determine whether additional restrictions are in place.
Fire safety officials urge caution
ODNR recommends checking weather conditions before starting any permitted outdoor fire and keeping water and firefighting equipment readily available.
Residents should never leave a fire unattended and should make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving the area.
Officials also recommend considering alternatives such as composting or other methods of disposing of leaves and yard waste.
Anyone whose fire escapes control should immediately contact the local fire department.
The seasonal restrictions are intended to reduce the number of escaped fires during Ohio’s spring and fall wildfire seasons, when conditions can allow fires to spread rapidly.
Residents can face liability for damages caused by a fire they start, making it especially important to follow both state and local burning regulations.
For residents planning to burn this fall, officials recommend checking with their local fire department before lighting a fire and making sure the planned burn complies with all applicable state and local requirements.
