Outdoor burning rules in Columbus, OH — also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance — set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Outdoor burning in Franklin County is strictly regulated by Ohio EPA under OAC 3745-19. Because Franklin County contains Columbus and is designated a restricted area, open burning of yard waste, leaves, and trash is prohibited year-round in most of the county. Only small recreational cooking fires and certain agricultural burns are permitted.
Ohio Administrative Code 3745-19-03 prohibits open burning within the corporate limits of any municipality and within one mile of the corporate limits of municipalities with populations over 10,000. This covers essentially all of Franklin County because Columbus and its suburbs are densely populated. Prohibited materials include leaves, grass clippings, brush, construction debris, trash, tires, and any material producing toxic smoke. Narrow exceptions exist for cooking fires, ceremonial fires (flags, religious), and landowner-cleared land burns outside restricted zones with prior Ohio EPA notification. The Columbus Division of Fire and township fire departments respond to illegal burn complaints, and Ohio EPA Central District Office investigates repeat offenders.
First violations typically result in a written warning. Continued illegal burning is a minor misdemeanor under ORC 3704.99 and can escalate to civil penalties up to 25,000 dollars per day under Ohio EPA enforcement. The responsible party may also be billed for fire department response costs.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Franklin County.
See how other cities in Franklin County handle outdoor burning.
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