Backyard Fires: Columbus vs Westerville
How do backyard fires rules compare between Columbus, OH and Westerville, OH?
Columbus and Westerville 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 →Westerville, OH
Franklin County
Backyard recreational fires permitted in Westerville under Ohio Fire Code 307.4: 3-foot diameter maximum, 25-foot setback from structures, clean wood only. Must be attended and fully extinguished before leaving.
View full Westerville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Columbus | Westerville |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Size | - | 3 ft diameter max |
| Setback | - | 25 ft from structures |
| Fuel | - | Clean firewood only |
| Attendance | - | Required at all times |
| Yard Waste | - | Never permitted |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Columbus FAQ
Westerville FAQ
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire in Westerville?
No permit is required for a compliant recreational fire, but Fire Division may order extinguishment if smoke creates a nuisance.
Who enforces this in Westerville?
Westerville code enforcement at (614) 901-6400 handles complaints.
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