Backyard recreational fires in Cincinnati are allowed under the Ohio EPA campfire exemption if they burn only clean seasoned firewood, stay within three feet in diameter and two feet in height, and are not used to dispose of waste materials.
Cincinnati residents may have small backyard campfires and use outdoor fireplace equipment for cooking, warmth, or recreational enjoyment under the exemption found in Ohio Administrative Code 3745-19-03 for restricted areas. The fire must use clean seasoned firewood, natural gas, propane, or an equivalent clean-burning fuel. The total fuel area cannot exceed three feet in diameter and two feet in height. The fire must not be used for waste disposal purposes, meaning no burning of leaves, brush, cardboard, lumber, or household trash. Manufactured fire pits, chimineas, patio hearths, and fire tables are permitted provided they meet the same fuel and size restrictions. The Ohio Fire Code (OAC 1301:7-7) establishes a 25-foot setback from any structure or combustible material for open flames, and Cincinnati enforces this through its Fire Prevention Code. Fires should be attended at all times and fully extinguished before being left unattended. The Cincinnati Fire Department recommends keeping a garden hose or fire extinguisher nearby. During periods of drought or high wind, the Ohio Division of Forestry or local fire officials may issue burn advisories that temporarily restrict all outdoor fires. Violations of recreational fire rules can result in citations from the Cincinnati Fire Department and potential fines from the Ohio EPA.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how Cincinnati's backyard fires rules stack up against other locations.
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