What is Open Burning?
Open burning is the act of burning any material that causes air pollutants from the fire to be sent directly into the air without passing through a stack or chimney. Open burning includes outdoor burning of refuse, trash, garbage, or salvageable material in any container that does not have the required pollution control equipment. Leaf, trash, construction waste, and crop residue burning are all classified as open burning. To learn about Ohio’s Administrative Code on open burning, visit the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s (OEPA) web site openburning
Open burning laws in Lucas County and the City of Rossford
The Toledo Division of Environmental Services (TDOES) is a contractual agent for the OEPA that enforces Ohio open burning regulations throughout Lucas County and the City of Rossford. The OEPA Northwest District Office is located in Bowling Green, Ohio and can be contacted by phone at 419-352-8461. The OEPA is responsible for the remainder of Northwest Ohio. Within the City of Toledo, TDOES enforces the open burning regulations and the Toledo Municipal Code where applicable.
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Burning Regulations
Before You Light It.....
Application for Permission to Conduct Open Burning
Contact our department at 419-936-3015 to determine if your project requires a permit. A separate application to open burn shall be filed for each specific project and the application must be submitted at least ten (10) days before the fire is be set. Both the person conducting the burning, and the owner of the property must sign the permit application. Both parties are legally responsible for the burning.
Download application here
Ceremonial fires include any church or organization activity that wishes to have a temporary campfire. The rules for this state a "Notification Only" to the appropriate office. These fires are allowed a 3-hour time frame with the fire no larger than 5 feet by 5 feet, and a 3 feet height. Only clean, seasoned firewood is to be used and a water source must be on hand in case the fire grows too large. Questions can be addressed by contacting our Division at 936-3959.
Ceremonial Bonfires Notice Application Form
Who is Responsible and What are the Penalties for Illegal Open Burning?
Any PERSON or PROPERTY OWNER is prohibited from causing or allowing illegal open burning. The current rule allows the Director of the EPA, through unilateral order, to assess penalties of up to $250 per day for each separate open burning violation on residential property, and up to $1000 per day on industrial, commercial, institutional, or municipal property. However, state law provides penalties up to $25,000 in fines through other enforcement means.
Why You Should NOT Open Burn
Open burning is inefficient. Approximately 25% of the material’s weight is released into the air because the fire does not get hot enough to burn effectively. Products of incomplete combustion are known carcinogens. Vegetation when burned release millions of mold spores when burned. Many people, especially young, are allergic to these spores and find it difficult to breath when exposed to these airborne pollutants. Smoke and flames produced from an open burn can also cause property damage.
Restricted and Unrestricted Areas
Ohio’s open burning regulations distinguish between restricted and unrestricted areas.
A restricted area is the entire area within the boundaries of a municipal corporation plus a zone extending 1,000 feet beyond boundaries of cities with populations between 1,000 and 10,000 (Holland, Ottawa Hills, Waterville, and Whitehouse), and one mile outside the boundaries of cities with a population over 10,000 (Toledo, Maumee, Oregon, and Sylvania).