Montgomery County, OH Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Montgomery 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
- Governing rule
- Ohio EPA OAC 3745-19-03
- County ordinance
- None; state EPA controls
- Prohibited
- Burning trash, leaves, yard waste
- Allowed
- Small clean-wood recreational fires
- Enforcement
- Ohio EPA and local fire dept
Summary
Ohio EPA rule OAC 3745-19-03 governs open burning statewide. Burning trash, leaves, and yard waste is prohibited in restricted areas, while small campfires and cooking or ceremonial fires with clean firewood are allowed under size limits.
No person or property owner shall cause or allow open burning in a restricted area except as provided in paragraphs (B) to (D) of this rule.
Full Breakdown
Open burning in Montgomery County is controlled by the Ohio EPA, not a county ordinance. In restricted areas (which include most of Dayton's populated townships and cities), OAC 3745-19-03 prohibits open burning except for listed exceptions. Small bonfires and campfires for cooking, pleasure, or ceremony are allowed without notification if fueled with clean seasoned firewood and kept to a fuel area no more than three feet in diameter and two feet high. Larger ceremonial fires require prior notification to Ohio EPA. Waste disposal by fire is never permitted. Local fire departments enforce alongside Ohio EPA.
Violations & Fines
Illegal open burning can draw Ohio EPA notices of violation and civil penalties, plus local fire-code citations. Fires that cause damage may bring additional liability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to burn leaves in my yard near Dayton?
Are campfires legal in Montgomery County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Montgomery County
How Montgomery County compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Montgomery County to another location·View the Ohio fire regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.