Summit County, OH Fire Regulations: Wildfire Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- WUI zones
- None mapped in Ohio
- Protection law
- ORC 1503.18 (Div. of Forestry)
- High-risk months
- Spring and fall
- Near woods
- Clear flammable material first
- Defensible space
- No county code required
Summary
Summit County, Ohio is not in a mapped wildfire-hazard zone like the western U.S., so there are no county wildland-urban-interface (WUI) codes. Instead, Ohio's Division of Forestry burn law (ORC 1503.18) protects woodlands during the high-risk spring and fall months.
No person shall kindle or authorize another to kindle a fire in or near any woodland, brushland, or land containing tree growth or in any place from which the fire is likely to escape unless all leaves, grass, wood, and inflammable material surrounding the place where the fire is kindled have first been removed to a safe distance and all other reasonable precautions have been taken to prevent its escape from control.
Full Breakdown
Ohio does not designate wildfire-hazard severity zones the way fire-prone western states do, and Summit County has no WUI overlay or defensible-space code. The state's wildfire protection instead comes from Ohio Revised Code 1503.18, enforced by the Ohio Division of Forestry, which bars open burning of brush, grass, and debris outside municipalities from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. during March through May and October through November - the seasons of highest wildfire risk. Anyone kindling a fire near woodland must first clear surrounding flammable material to a safe distance. Summit Metro Parks and wooded townships enforce these precautions; check with your local fire department during dry spells.
Violations & Fines
Starting a fire that escapes into woodland violates ORC 1503.18 and can make the responsible person liable for suppression costs and property damage, in addition to misdemeanor penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Summit County in a wildfire zone?
How does Ohio prevent wildfires?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Summit County
Compare Summit County to another location·View the Ohio fire regulations overview
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