Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Lorain County

Lorain County, OH Fire Regulations: Wildfire Zones (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Wildfire zone status
None designated in Ohio
Defensible space
Not required
Seasonal fire ban
6am-6pm, Mar-May, Oct-Nov
Woodland fires
Clear flammable material first
Oversight
Ohio Division of Forestry

Summary

Lorain County is not in a designated wildfire hazard zone. Ohio does not map fire-severity zones the way western states do. The relevant statewide rule is ORC 1503.18, which bans open fires near woodland from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the peak wildfire months of March-May and October-November.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Lorain County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

No person shall kindle or authorize another to kindle a fire in the open air... for the purpose of burning wood, brush, weeds, grass, or rubbish of any kind between the hours of six a.m. and six p.m. during the months of March, April, May, October, and November in any year.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Ohio has no wildfire hazard severity zoning and no defensible-space mandate, so there is no 'wildfire zone' designation for Lorain County properties. The wildfire-management framework is instead a seasonal open-burning restriction. ORC 1503.18 prohibits kindling open fires outside municipal limits between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. during March, April, May, October, and November, when cured vegetation makes fires most likely to escape. The statute also requires anyone kindling a fire in or near woodland or brushland to first clear surrounding flammable material to a safe distance. The Ohio Division of Forestry oversees wildfire response; local fire departments handle suppression.

Violations & Fines

Kindling a prohibited fire near woodland during the restricted season is an offense under ORC 1503.18, and a person who lets a fire escape can be liable for suppression costs and damages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my Lorain County home in a wildfire zone?
No. Ohio does not designate wildfire hazard zones. Instead, a statewide seasonal ban (ORC 1503.18) restricts open fires near woodland during spring and fall high-risk months.
When is Ohio's wildfire season?
Spring (March-May) and fall (October-November) are peak wildfire months, when ORC 1503.18 bans open burning outside municipalities from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lorain County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsFire Pits & Backyard FiresSome RestrictionsFireworksSome RestrictionsBrush ClearanceSome RestrictionsOutdoor BurningSome RestrictionsSmoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Lorain County rules

Compare Lorain County to another location·View the Ohio fire regulations overview

Get notified when Wildfire Zones in Lorain County, OH changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.