Canton, OH Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)

Section 1513.02 governs any recreational fire, defined by § 1513.01(a) as an outdoor fire burning seasoned dry firewood for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking or warmth purposes. Before lighting one, the resident must submit an application to the Fire Prevention Bureau at least forty-eight hours in advance, or by 3:00 p.m. the Friday or last business day before a weekend or holiday fire, stating the purpose, the nature and quantity of material to be burned, the date, time and duration, the location, and the fire-extinguishing equipment on hand; the fire cannot start until the Bureau issues an approved permit.

Location is fixed at not less than twenty-five feet from any structure. The material burned must be seasoned dry firewood of the minimum size needed, ignited with a small amount of paper, chosen to minimize air contaminants. Size and duration are capped at 2 feet by 2 feet by 2 feet, burning no longer than three hours unless the Fire Prevention Bureau approves an extension, and every recreational fire must be extinguished by 11:00 p.m. regardless of when it started. The fire must be constantly attended until fully out, with approved extinguishing equipment available the whole time.

A properly enclosed charcoal, propane or natural gas grill is exempt from the application step under § 1513.01(b), but the same location, material and duration limits do not apply to a grill because it is not treated as an open recreational fire.