Recreational Fire Defined
An outdoor fire burning materials other than rubbish where the fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, barbecue grill or barbecue pit and has a total fuel area of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes.
The Ohio Administrative Code contains additional provisions for open burning within restricted areas that applies to the City of Bellbrook, because of our population and the fact that we are located within an incorporated area. In these rules, yard waste materials cannot be burned at anytime.
Residential Recreational Fires
- The only material that can be burned is clean dry wood as a fuel source.
- No yard waste or rubbish materials or prohibited materials defined by the OAC may be burned at anytime.
- If the fire is contained in an approved container such as an outdoor fireplace, barbecue pit, etc. the fire must be at least 15 feet from a structure or combustible materials.
- For an open fire not contained, the fire must be at least 20 feet from a structure, wood fence, neighboring structure or combustible materials. Conditions that could cause a fire to spread within 20 feet of the fire must be eliminated prior to ignition of a fire.
- The fire must be attended while burning and must be extinguished if it is not attended.
- A portable fire extinguisher, garden hose, bucket of sand or other suitable means for extinguishing the fire must be provided.
- The fire must not create an offensive or objectionable condition that interferes with the neighboring residents’ use and enjoyment of their property. If this occurs, the Fire Department is required to request the person responsible for the fire to extinguish the fire or extinguish it itself. The Fire Department is required to extinguish fires, which create hazardous or nuisance conditions.