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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Fire pit rules in Lorain County, OH, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.

Key Facts

Max fuel area
3 ft wide, 2 ft high
Allowed fuel
Clean seasoned firewood or natural gas
Clearance
25 feet from structures typical
Attendance
Fire must be supervised
Drought
State fire marshal may ban

Summary

Backyard recreational and cooking fires are legal in Lorain County if they meet Ohio EPA limits: fueled only with clean seasoned firewood or natural gas, never used to dispose of waste, and kept to a total fuel area no larger than three feet across and two feet high. Local fire

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Lorain County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Bonfires, campfires and outdoor fireplace equipment, whether for cooking food for human consumption, pleasure, religious, ceremonial, warmth, recreational, or similar purposes... shall not be used for waste disposal purposes and shall have a total fuel area of three feet or less in diameter and two feet or less in height.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Ohio EPA rule OAC 3745-19-03 exempts small recreational and cooking fires from the open-burning ban, provided they are fueled with clean seasoned firewood, natural gas, or an equivalently clean fuel, are not used for waste disposal, and have a total fuel area of three feet or less in diameter and two feet or less in height. The Ohio Fire Code adds that recreational fires must generally stay 25 feet from structures (15 feet for gas-fired pits) and be constantly attended with a means of extinguishment nearby. The state fire marshal may ban recreational fires countywide during drought. Cities may impose stricter local rules.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding the size limits or burning waste turns a legal recreational fire into prohibited open burning: a minor misdemeanor under city code plus possible Ohio EPA citation, charged per day of violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a backyard bonfire legal in Lorain County?
A small recreational fire is legal if it uses clean seasoned wood, is not for waste disposal, and stays within three feet wide and two feet high. Larger bonfires may need a permit.
Can the state shut down backyard fires?
Yes. Ohio Fire Code 307.1.2 lets the state fire marshal ban recreational fires statewide or in a specific county when drought or air conditions warrant.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lorain County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsFireworksSome RestrictionsBrush ClearanceSome RestrictionsWildfire ZonesSome RestrictionsOutdoor BurningSome RestrictionsSmoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Lorain County rules

How Lorain County compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Lorain County to another location·View the Ohio fire regulations overview

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