Cincinnati, OH Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Cincinnati, OH, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Maximum Fire Size
- 3 ft diameter and 2 ft height
- Fuel Allowed
- Clean seasoned firewood, natural gas, or propane
- Structure Setback
- 25 ft from any structure per Ohio Fire Code
- Waste Burning
- Prohibited - recreational fires only
- State Rule
- OAC 3745-19-03 and OAC 1301:7-7
Summary
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.
(2) Bonfires, campfires and outdoor fireplace equipment, whether for cooking food for human consumption, pleasure, religious, ceremonial, warmth, recreational, or similar purposes, if the following conditions are met:
(a) They are fueled with clean seasoned firewood, natural gas or equivalent, or any clean burning fuel with emissions that are equivalent to or lower than those created from the burning of seasoned firewood.
(b) They are not used for waste disposal purposes.
(c) They shall have a total fuel area of three feet or less in diameter and two feet or less in height.
(3) Disposal of hazardous explosive materials, military munitions or explosive devices that require immediate action to prevent endangerment of human health, public safety, property or the environment and that are excluded from the requirement to obtain a hazardous waste permit pursuant to paragraph (D)(1)(d) of rule 3745-50-45 of the Administrative Code.
(4) Recognized training in the use of fire extinguishers for commercial or industrial fire prevention.
(5) Fires set at the direction of federal, state, and local law enforcement officials for the purpose of destruction of cannabis sativa (marijuana) plant vegetation, processed marijuana material or other drugs seized by federal, state, or local law enforcement officials. Fires allowed by paragraphs (B)(1), (B)(2) and (B)(4) of this rule shall not be used for waste disposal purposes and shall be of minimum size sufficient for their intended purpose; the fuel shall be chosen to minimize the generation and emission of air contaminants.
Full Breakdown
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a fire pit in my Cincinnati backyard?
Can I burn brush or leaves in my Cincinnati fire pit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cincinnati
How Cincinnati compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Cincinnati to another location·View the Ohio fire regulations overview
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