Cincinnati, OH Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

Cincinnati falls within a restricted area under Ohio Administrative Code 3745-19-03, which means open burning is generally prohibited. The Ohio EPA strictly regulates outdoor burning, and Cincinnati enforces these state rules through its Fire Prevention Code under Title XII of the Cincinnati Municipal Code. Burning leaves, brush, yard waste, construction debris, or any household refuse on residential property is unlawful. The only exemptions for residential properties are small recreational fires such as campfires and fires in outdoor fireplace equipment used for cooking food for human consumption, warmth, or pleasure. These recreational fires must use clean seasoned firewood, natural gas, or an equivalent clean-burning fuel and cannot be used for waste disposal. The total fuel area must not exceed three feet in diameter and two feet in height under OAC 3745-19-03. Larger ceremonial bonfires up to five feet in diameter and five feet in height may be permitted with prior notification to the Ohio EPA and must not burn longer than three hours. Local ordinances may impose additional restrictions beyond state rules. Violations can result in citations from the Cincinnati Fire Department and fines from the Ohio EPA. Residents should dispose of yard waste through the citys curbside collection program instead of burning.