Fire Regulations in Lima, OH: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in Lima or are thinking about moving there, fire regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Lima has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of fire regulations, and some of them might surprise you.
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
Recreational fires (campfires) are allowed in Lima. Fuel must be clean, seasoned firewood stacked no larger than 2 feet high by 3 feet wide, and the fire must sit at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material. It must be attended with an extinguisher on hand.
Key details: Recreational fires: Allowed. Max size: 2 ft high x 3 ft wide. Setback: 25 ft from structures. Fuel: Clean, seasoned firewood only. Attendance: Attended, extinguisher on hand.
The fire code official (any Lima Fire Department personnel) may order extinguishment of any hazardous or offensive fire. Burning prohibited materials can bring nuisance and Ohio EPA enforcement.
Outdoor Burning
Lima sits inside a 'restricted area,' so open burning is tightly limited. Burning residential trash or garbage is prohibited. Burning yard waste (limbs, brush, leaves, clippings) is prohibited unless the Ohio EPA approves it in advance and the site is more than 1,000 feet from the nearest neighbor's house.
Key details: Restricted area: Entire city + buffer. Trash/garbage: Prohibited. Yard waste: Only w/ EPA approval, 1000 ft. Governing rule: OAC 3745-19; Lima 1052.05. Recreational fires: Allowed (see fire-pit rules).
Prohibited open burning is enforced by Lima Fire and the Ohio EPA; the fire code official may order any hazardous or objectionable fire extinguished. EPA penalties can apply to illegal waste burning.
Fireworks
Lima did NOT opt out of Ohio's 2022 fireworks law. Residents may discharge 1.4G consumer fireworks on state-designated holidays only, on private property you own or have permission to use. July 3-5, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Streets are off-limits.
Key details: Opted out?: No - state rules apply. July window: July 3-5, 4 p.m.-11 p.m.. Where: Private property, with permission. Streets: Discharge illegal. Governing law: ORC Ch. 3743 (HB 172).
Discharging outside designated days/times or in the street can bring a misdemeanor charge and citation; injuries or property damage escalate penalties. Local nuisance rules also apply.
The Bottom Line
Lima's fire regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Lima is broadly strict or permissive.
These rules come from Lima's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.