Backyard Fires: Columbus vs Grove City
How do backyard fires rules compare between Columbus, OH and Grove City, OH?
Columbus and Grove City have similar restriction levels.
Columbus, OH
Franklin County
Columbus allows small recreational fires and contained cooking fires but restricts open burning of yard waste within city limits. The Columbus Division of Fire enforces the Ohio Fire Code, and Ohio EPA rules under OAC 3745-19 apply to any open burning in the urban area.
View full Columbus rules →Grove City, OH
Franklin County
Backyard recreational fires in Grove City are allowed if they meet Ohio Fire Code 307.4 standards: pile no more than 3 feet across and 2 feet high, minimum 25 feet from any structure or combustible material, clean wood fuel only, and constantly attended with water source ready.
View full Grove City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Columbus | Grove City |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Allowed | - | Recreational fires only |
| Max Pile | - | 3 ft x 2 ft |
| Setback | - | 25 ft from structures |
| Fuel | - | Clean firewood only |
| Attendance | - | Required until out |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Columbus FAQ
Grove City FAQ
Can I use a chiminea on my Grove City patio?
Yes. Portable outdoor fireplaces and chimineas have a reduced 15-foot setback under OFC 307.4.3 instead of 25 feet, as long as they have a spark arrestor and use clean firewood.
Can I burn leaves in the fall?
No. Ohio EPA OAC 3745-19 bans burning of leaves, brush, and yard waste inside incorporated municipalities year-round. Use SWACO yard waste collection instead.
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