Columbus, OH Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Columbus, OH, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Fire Pits
- Allowed with supervision/setbacks
- Yard Waste Burning
- Prohibited citywide
- Gas Fire Features
- Treated as appliances
- Code Authority
- Ohio Fire Code, OAC 3745-19
- Burn Bans
- Suspend all recreational fires
Summary
Columbus allows small recreational fires and contained cooking fires but restricts open burning of yard waste within city limits. The Columbus Division of Fire enforces the Ohio Fire Code, and Ohio EPA rules under OAC 3745-19 apply to any open burning in the urban area.
Rule 3745-19-03 | Open burning in restricted areas.
(A) No person or property owner shall cause or allow open burning in a restricted area except as provided in paragraphs (B) to (D) of this rule or in section 3704.11 of the Revised Code.
(B) Open burning shall be allowed for the following purposes without notification to or permission from the Ohio EPA:
(1) Heating tar, welding, acetylene torches, highway safety flares, heating for warmth of outdoor workers and strikers, smudge pots and similar occupational needs.
(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.
(C) Open burning shall be allowed for the following purposes with prior notification to the Ohio EPA in accordance with paragraph (B) of rule 3745-19-05 of the Administrative Code:
(2) Bonfires or campfires used for ceremonial purposes that do not meet the requirements of paragraph (B)(2) of this rule, provided the following conditions are met:
(a) They have a total fuel area no greater than five feet in diameter by five feet in height and burn no longer than three hours.
(b) They are not used for waste disposal purposes.
(c) 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.
Full Breakdown
Recreational fires - contained fire pits, chimineas, and manufactured outdoor fireplaces burning seasoned wood or approved fuel - are allowed on residential lots in Columbus subject to setback from structures (typically 25 feet for open fires and 15 feet for contained devices) and attendant supervision. Propane and natural-gas fire features are treated as appliances rather than open fires and are generally allowed on patios.
Open burning of leaves, brush, and yard waste is prohibited within Columbus city limits and throughout Franklin County's urban corridor under Ohio EPA rules (OAC 3745-19). Columbus residents should compost, bag for yard-waste collection, or use the city's drop-off programs rather than burn.
Cooking fires - barbecue grills, smokers, cooking over a contained pit with a grate - are allowed year-round. The Division of Fire can issue stop orders during high wind or air-quality alerts. During a state-declared burn ban, even small recreational fires are suspended.
Violations & Fines
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Columbus code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn leaves in my Columbus backyard?
Do I need a permit for a small fire pit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Columbus
How Columbus compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Columbus to another location·View the Ohio fire regulations overview
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Fire Pits & Backyard Fires in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Franklin County handle fire pits & backyard fires.