Rain is often a relief after days of intense heat and humidity. When it finally arrives, many people rush outside to check their rain gauges. At my house, my husband usually takes on this task and informs me of the amount of rain we received.
However, rain can sometimes come with severe storms and high winds. These storms can cause downed trees, branches, and other debris. When this happens, some people need to clean up large amounts of storm debris.
Many people resort to open burning to dispose of storm debris or trash. Before you light that match, it’s important to know Ohio’s rules for open burning.
Open burning is any outdoor fire without a chimney or stack.
Ohio law regulates open burning to protect community health and safety.
One major safety concern from open burning is wildfires. Abundant dry leaves, dead grass, and strong winds can cause a spark from an open burn to start a wildfire.
To reduce wildfire risks, Ohio law prohibits outdoor open burning in unincorporated areas during March, April, May, October, and November from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. This includes burning yard waste, trash, and debris, even in a proper burn barrel. Always use a proper burn barrel during legal hours.
Open burning releases toxins into the air, affecting air quality and visibility. Ohio law bans open burning during air pollution alerts, warnings, or emergencies.
To prevent poor visibility, Ohio law requires that smoke from an open burn does not obscure visibility on roadways, railways, or airfields.
If someone causes a wildfire or violates Ohio burn laws, they may be held liable for damages and fined. The Ohio EPA suggests alternative methods like composting for disposing of yard waste instead of open burning.
Ohio law also bans burning waste generated off the premises. Prohibited items include food waste, dead animals, and materials containing rubber, grease, asphalt, or petroleum.
Burning within village or city limits or restricted areas is also prohibited. Local governments or fire departments may have their own burn rules. Check with local entities before open burning.
Nichole Y. Shafer is an Ohio-licensed attorney at Schroeder Law LTD in Putnam County. She specializes in business, real estate, estate planning, and agriculture issues in northwest Ohio. Contact her at Nichole@LeeSchroeder.com or 419-659-2058. This article is not legal advice; seek specific advice from a licensed attorney based on your situation.