Each year, there are more than 1,000 wildfires in the state of Ohio. Wildfires in Ohio threaten and cause damage to homes, private property, trees and landscapes. More importantly, lives are placed at risk. Most of these fires are preventable. Most of Ohio’s wildfires are the result of arson and careless open-burning (burning of trash, debris and brush). Ohio Law prohibits Open-Burning in the spring and fall.
Open-burning is particularly dangerous in the spring and fall, when the leaves are on the ground, the grass is not green and the weather is warm, dry and windy. As a result, open burning in Ohio is prohibited in unincorporated areas in March, April, May, October, and November, 6 am to 6 pm.
You should always call your local fire department for information about local burning regulations.
Ohio EPA notification is required for many types of open burning in Ohio. Call 614-644-2270 with questions on rules and to find your local EPA office.
EPA Open Burning 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 1000 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
City of Nelsonville, Ohio Information Blog 