Along with autumn can come the urge to burn leaves and other yard waste. Ohio EPA reminds area residents to follow the rules about what can and cannot be burned and when and where burning is legal.
State law takes precedence over local ordinances, in most cases. Local ordinances often can be stricter than state law, but not less so. Consult both state and local regulations before burning. Ohio EPA has the authority to enforce the state's open burning laws. Violations can result in substantial penalties.
One key part of state law makes it illegal to conduct open burning inside a municipality or within a set distance outside a municipality, depending on the town’s size.
In rural areas, fires cannot be set within 1,000 feet of an inhabited building on a neighboring property. Brush, tree trimmings and leaves may be burned only on the property where they are generated if the fire meets the boundary requirements.
Garbage, dead animals or material containing rubber, grease or petroleum (such as tires and plastics) cannot be burned in Ohio.
The rules are in place to protect human health and safety. Open fires, including fires in barrels, can release many kinds of toxic fumes that can lead to breathing difficulties.
Gases released by open burning also can corrode metal siding and damage paint on buildings.
To ask questions or lodge a complaint about open burning, contact Tom Cikotte in Ohio EPA’s Northwest District Office in Bowling Green, toll free at 1-800-686-6930 extension 3137, or by e-mail at mailto:tom.cikotte@epa.state.oh.us.
