Open Burning

Open Burning - What you need to know

According to Federal Environmental Protection Agency, Franklin Township is a restricted area. In restricted areas there is no open burning allowed without special permission from the EPA except for recreational fires used to cook food for human consumption and warming fires used at construction sites and along railways to warm switch boxes. All open burning must be approved by a fire personal officer before you are permitted to burn. To do this you can call dispatch at 513-925-2525 and tell them you need to get permission to have an open burn. A member of the fire department will call you back.

The following guideline should be used if you plan to burn:

  • Must be no larger than 3 feet long and 3 feet wide and 3 feet high

  • Untreated wood is the only material that may be burned. Painted or stained wood is considered to be treated

  • You may NOT burn yard waste, which includes grass, leaves, tree trimmings or shrubs

  • You may NOT burn trash, tires, plastics, shingles, PVC, aerosol cans or any other waste

  • No accelerates such as gasoline, kerosene, diesel or stove fuel may be used to start or sustain a fire

  • Fires must be 50 feet away from any structure such as a house, garage, or out-building

  • No burning is allowed during air quality alert periods or when winds exceed 5 MPH

  • Smoke from the fire must not cover any roadway or become a nuisance to neighbors

  • Warming fires may not use any construction materials and must meet distance requirements as stated

  • Fires may never be left unattended

  • In addition to the above regulations you should also consider the following:

    • Keep a garden hose or fire extinguisher near

    • Call the fire department at 937-746-2852 or Dispatch at 513-925-2525 at least 24 hours in advance. This can help prevent unnecessary response of emergency equipment to your residence. A fire prevention officer may still come to ensure compliance

    • Make sure the fire is completely out before you leave it

If you have any questions reference the Open Burning Guidelines feel free to email us at: help@ftfd.org

For more information check out the OHIO EPA Open Burning Regulations: CLICK HERE