Lucas County, OH Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Lucas County, OH, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- State rule
- OAC 3745-19-03(B)(2)
- Max fuel area
- 3 ft diameter, 2 ft height
- Allowed fuel
- Clean seasoned firewood only
- Toledo spacing
- 25 ft from structures
- On-site requirement
- Water for extinguishment
Summary
Recreational fire pits are allowed under Ohio EPA rule OAC 3745-19-03 if fueled with clean seasoned firewood, not used for waste disposal, and kept to three feet or less in diameter and two feet or less in height. Toledo also requires 25-foot spacing from structures.
Bonfires, campfires and outdoor fireplace equipment, whether for cooking food for human consumption, pleasure, religious, ceremonial, warmth, recreational, or similar purposes, if... (a) They are fueled with clean 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.
Full Breakdown
Ohio Administrative Code 3745-19-03(B)(2) allows bonfires, campfires, and outdoor fireplace equipment in restricted (municipal) areas for cooking, warmth, or recreation without EPA notification, provided the fuel is clean seasoned firewood or clean-burning fuel, the fire is not used for waste disposal, and the fuel area stays under three feet wide and two feet tall. Toledo Fire & Rescue, adopting the Ohio Fire Code Section 307, additionally requires the fire be in an approved container (chiminea, fire pit ringed with stone/brick), located at least 25 feet from any structure, with water on site for extinguishment. No countywide fire-pit permit exists; rules are set by your city or township.
Violations & Fines
Open burning of prohibited materials or non-compliant fires can be enforced by Ohio EPA and local fire departments; violations may bring fines and abatement orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit in Toledo?
How big can a recreational fire be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lucas County
How Lucas County compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Lucas County to another location·View the Ohio fire regulations overview
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