Fire Pits and Campfires

Yesterday a resident asked me about the need for a permit for small fires in their back yards.  I'd like to thank Chief Ashworth for providing this response:

Mayor,
Open burning is regulated in three areas; The Ohio Fire Code,  the Ohio Administrative Code (Chapter 3745-19 Open Burning Standards) and RAPCA which is the Montgomery County Regional Air Pollution Control Agency.  We also post on the Fire Division’s web site those laws pertaining to the guidelines.  
To answer your question more simply:
 
An open burn / camp fire is permissible without a permit provided it meets the following guidelines:
  1. Must be contained in an area not to exceed 3’ X 3’ x 2’ (Fire Ring of some sort)
  2. Only dried seasoned firewood is permissible (No garbage and/or yard waste including pre-treated lumber)
  3. Cannot be within 25 feet of any structure or combustible material (this includes sheds and attached decks)
  4. All fires shall be constantly attended with a min of 1 extinguishing agency  (A garden hose is most common)
  5. Air standards are permissible for open burning (RAPCA)
  6. Wind is not a factor
  7. The only other factor consider is if your plat convenience does not allow this type of activity.
 
It should be noted that if the fire is deemed a “nuisance” in other words, the smoke is blowing into a neighbors windows, embers traveling or the stench is a annoying, the fire will be extinguished.  Additionally, we offer anyone wanting to place a fire pit and has questions to please call us and we will be happy to look at your site.

Mark S. Ashworth
Fire Chief
City of Huber Heights
7008 Brandt Pike
Huber Heights, Ohio 45424
937-233-1564 Office

 

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