A backyard campfire or recreational fire is allowed in Summit County without a permit when it burns clean seasoned firewood, is not used for waste disposal, and stays three feet or less across and two feet or less high. Local fire departments may add rules.
Ohio EPA rule OAC 3745-19-03 exempts recreational fires - bonfires, campfires, and outdoor fireplace equipment used for cooking, warmth, pleasure, or ceremony - from open-burning restrictions if they use clean seasoned firewood or equivalent clean fuel, are not used to dispose of waste, and keep a fuel area three feet or less in diameter and two feet or less in height. Summit County Public Health enforces air-quality limits in townships and contracting municipalities. Because Summit County is heavily incorporated, your city or village fire department may require attendance, containment, water on hand, or setbacks from structures and property lines, so verify locally before lighting.
A backyard fire that exceeds the size limit, burns waste, or creates a nuisance loses its exemption and becomes illegal open burning, subject to Ohio EPA, health-department, and local fire-department enforcement.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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