Open Burning Regulations… Most Frequently Asked Questions
by Robert Keller, Fire Chief
Revised 04/2007

Frequently, our fire department receives telephone calls requesting information on open burning. Open burning regulations are established by Ohio Administrative Code and enforced jointly by the Brimfield Fire Department and Ohio EPA. In general, open burning is more restrictive within one mile of either the city of Kent or the city of Tallmadge (Restricted areas). For areas outside the one mile restricted area, regulations are less restrictive (Unrestricted areas). Below are some of the most frequently asked questions.

Are recreational fires permitted in Brimfield?

Yes. Bonfires, campfires and outdoor fireplace equipment, whether for cooking food, pleasure, religious, ceremonial, warmth, recreational, or similar purposes are allowed without notification to or permission from the Ohio EPA in both restricted and unrestricted areas. Fires must be fueled by clean seasoned firewood, natural gas, or equivalent. Fires may not be used for waste disposal purposes and are limited in size to a fuel area of no more than three feet in diameter and two feet in height.

Are ceremonial fires permitted in Brimfield?

Yes. Fire for ceremonial purposes in both restricted and unrestricted areas is permitted as follows.

•   In restricted areas, fire with a fuel area larger than three feet in diameter but no more than five feet in diameter is permitted with prior notification to the Ohio EPA (330) 375-2480.
•   In unrestricted areas, fire with a fuel area larger than three feet in diameter but no more than five feet in diameter is permitted without prior notification to the Ohio EPA.
•   All ceremonial fires are limited in size to a fuel area of five feet in diameter and five feet in height.
•   All ceremonial fires may burn for period not longer than three hours.

Can I burn trash or refuse?

No. No person shall burn any refuse rubbish, garbage or trash within Brimfield Township.
In both restricted and unrestricted areas, no materials may be burned that contain rubber, grease, asphalt or liquid petroleum products.

Is open burning permitted for any other purpose?
In restricted areas open burning may be permitted for the following purposes with prior notification to Ohio EPA (330) 375-2480.

• Prevention or control of disease or pests
• Disposal of agricultural waste
• Recognized horticultural, silvicultural, range or wildlife management practices

In unrestricted areas open burning is permitted for the disposal of residential waste, including leaves, or agricultural waste generated on the premises, as long as the fire is located at a point not less than one thousand feet from any inhabited building not located on said premises without prior notification to the Ohio EPA.

In unrestricted areas open burning may be permitted for the following purposes with prior notification to Ohio EPA (330) 375-2480.

• Prevention or control of disease or pests
• Disposal of land clearing generated on the premises
• Recognized horticultural, silvicultural, range or wildlife management practices

If my neighbor complains, will the Fire Department investigate?

Yes. The Fire Department will investigate all complaints of open burning. Provided the fire complies with the requirements of the Ohio Administrative Code and Ohio EPA it will be permitted to burn. The Fire Department will prohibit open burning that is offensive or objectionable due to smoke or odor emissions when atmospheric conditions make such fires hazardous or endangering to persons.

Could I be cited for my fire?

Yes. If you fail to follow the regulations established by the Ohio Administrative Code you could be cited. The Brimfield Fire Department provides education and will issue a warning for the first violation. The Ohio EPA will be notified of repeat offenders for follow-up enforcement.

If you have questions about open burning regulations or recreational fires, please contact the Brimfield Fire Department, Fire Prevention Bureau at (330) 678-9244.

•  •  •

Contact Information
 BRIMFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT
1333 Tallmadge Rd - Kent, Ohio 44240
Fire Chief: Robert Keller
Phone: 330-678-9244
Fax: 330-678-4234
E-mail: brimfieldfire@neo.rr.com