Lucas County, OH Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Lucas County, 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.
Key Facts
- Restricted-area rule
- OAC 3745-19-03
- Unrestricted-area rule
- OAC 3745-19-04
- Never burn
- Trash, tires, plastics, building materials
- Rural setback
- 1,000 ft from others' buildings
- Enforcement
- Ohio EPA + local fire dept
Summary
Ohio EPA rule OAC 3745-19-03 prohibits open burning in restricted (municipal) areas except for narrow exceptions. Burning trash, tires, plastics, and building materials is banned statewide. Toledo and its urban zone fall in the restricted area with tight limits.
No person or property owner shall cause or allow open burning in a restricted area except as provided in paragraphs (B) to (D)
Full Breakdown
Under OAC 3745-19-03(A), no person may cause or allow open burning in a restricted area except as the rule expressly permits. A restricted area is any municipality plus a buffer of up to one mile around larger cities like Toledo. Recreational fires and certain occupational fires are allowed; garbage, rubber, grease, asphalt, petroleum products, plastics, and building materials may never be burned. In unrestricted (rural) areas under OAC 3745-19-04, residents may burn residential or agricultural waste generated on the premises only if at least 1,000 feet from any inhabited building not on the property and conditions dissipate smoke safely. This is a state rule; the county does not set its own burn ordinance.
Violations & Fines
Illegal open burning is enforced by Ohio EPA and can result in civil penalties; local fire officials may order immediate extinguishment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn leaves and yard waste in Toledo?
Is burning trash legal anywhere in Ohio?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lucas County
How Lucas County compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Lucas County to another location·View the Ohio fire regulations overview
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