Autumn is just around the corner, which means the flannels are coming out of the closet, and family members and friends are coming over for a toasty warm fire in the backyard fire pit.
However, anywhere fire is involved, it’s important to:
A). Follow local laws and ordinances.
B). Observe safe fire pit practices.
Before building a fire, one should always check city and county regulations regarding backyard fire pits. If everything checks out legally, follow the safety tips in the next section.
Backyard Fire Pit Safety
Following are nine simple tips on how to enjoy a backyard fire pit safely:
- Pay attention to the weather. Don’t build fires on especially dry or windy days.
- Build a fire out in the open. Don’t set up the fire pit near buildings, fences, trees, or other flammable material.
- Don’t burn construction lumber! Construction lumber is treated with chemicals and glues, which create toxic fumes when burned.
- Be ready to extinguish the flames. Always have two methods of fire suppressant to hand, such as a fire extinguisher and a garden hose.
- Keep chairs away from the fire. Chairs are for sitting in, not for catching on fire!
- Never leave a fire unattended. Winds can pick up, sparks can fly, resulting in a horrendous blaze, serious injury, or even death if one isn't careful.
- Drink responsibly around a fire. Don’t let alcohol intoxication turn an enjoyable experience by the fire into a trip to the emergency room.
- Heed no-burn alerts. If the city you live in has a no-burn alert or Air Quality Alert, no fires are allowed on that day. Check local and state ordinances before building a fire.
- Store firewood safely. Don’t keep stored firewood too close to the fire pit.
Ohio Laws Regarding Backyard Fire Pits
Ohio has a statewide law that says fire pits must be maintained at least 10 feet away from houses and cannot be used on days when Air Quality Alerts have been issued.[1]
That’s the statewide rule, but individual cities in Ohio have their own rules. The following cities are each linked to their laws about backyard fire pits:
The Fall Season is Coming, Be Ready for Safe Backyard Fires!
The fall season is right around the corner, meaning thousands of Ohioans will enjoy fire pits, backyard fires, campfires, and open-fire grills. Fire safety is vital around backyard fire pits, and if you or a loved one become injured due to someone else’s negligence and a backyard fire, please contact NRS Injury Law today at 855.977.6670.
Sources:
[1] OEPA. “Requirements for Backyard Fires.” Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, 2006. ohioepa.custhelp.com
[2] TCC. “Open Burning Guidelines.” The City of Columbus, 2022. columbus.gov
[3] AL. “Fires and Fire Prevention.” American Legal, 2022. codelibrary.amlegal.com
[4] TCD. “Open Burning in the City of Dayton.” The City of Dayton, 2022. daytonohio.gov
[5] TFRD. “Open Burning/Illegal Burning.” Toledo Fire & Rescue Department, 2022. toledofirerescue.com
[6] HCES. “Open Burning.” Hamilton County Environmental Services, 2022. southwestohioair.org
