Toledo, OH Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Toledo, OH, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Max Fire Size
- 3 feet diameter
- Clearance
- 25 feet
- Fuel
- Seasoned wood only
- Attendant
- Adult required
- Water Supply
- Must be ready
Summary
Toledo allows small recreational backyard fires for warmth and cooking under Ohio Fire Code 307.4, limited to 3 feet in diameter with 25 feet of clearance from structures. Only clean seasoned wood is permitted; yard waste burning is banned.
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
Full Breakdown
Backyard fires in Toledo are regulated by Ohio Fire Code Section 307.4 (OAC 1301:7-7-03) and enforced by Toledo Fire & Rescue. Permitted fires include small recreational bonfires, cooking fires, and portable fire pits using clean, dry, seasoned firewood or commercial manufactured logs. The fire must be no larger than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high, located at least 25 feet from any structure, fence, or property line, and constantly attended by an adult. A garden hose or water source must be readily available. Burning of leaves, yard clippings, household trash, treated wood, plastic, or construction debris is prohibited under Ohio EPA OAC 3745-19. Fires producing excessive or offensive smoke are a nuisance and may be ordered extinguished. Red-flag weather conditions such as high winds may prompt temporary burn prohibitions.
Violations & Fines
Fire department may order immediate extinguishment. Citations may be issued for oversized fires, illegal materials, or unattended fires. Ohio EPA may assess separate fines for illegal yard-waste burning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a bonfire in my Toledo backyard?
What can I burn?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Toledo
How Toledo compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Toledo to another location·View the Ohio fire regulations overview
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