Summit County, OH Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)
Key Facts
- Law
- ORC 1503.18 (Div. of Forestry)
- Ban months
- March-May, October-November
- Ban hours
- 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Near woods
- Clear flammable material first
- Applies
- Outside municipal limits
Summary
Ohio bans open burning of brush, weeds, and grass outside municipalities from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. during March, April, May, October, and November (ORC 1503.18). Before any legal burn near woods, all surrounding flammable material must be cleared to a safe distance.
No person shall kindle or authorize another to kindle a fire in the open air, outside the limits of any municipal corporation or land controlled by any railroad company, for the purpose of burning wood, brush, weeds, grass, or rubbish of any kind between the hours of six a.m. and six p.m. during the months of March, April, May, October, and November in any year.
Full Breakdown
Ohio Revised Code 1503.18, enforced by the Ohio Division of Forestry, prohibits kindling a fire in the open air outside municipal limits to burn wood, brush, weeds, grass, or rubbish between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. during the peak wildfire months of March, April, May, October, and November. At any time, no one may kindle a fire in or near woodland, brushland, or tree growth unless all leaves, grass, wood, and inflammable material around the fire have first been removed to a safe distance and reasonable precautions taken to prevent escape. Summit County contains extensive parkland and wooded townships where these rules apply.
Violations & Fines
Violating the spring/fall burn ban or failing to clear vegetation is a misdemeanor under ORC 1503.18; the person who starts an escaped fire is also liable for suppression costs and damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I not burn brush outside the city?
What must I do before burning near trees?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Summit County
Compare Summit County to another location·View the Ohio fire regulations overview
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