Open Burning Regulations
In Franklin County, open burning is a felony, punishable by fine and possible incarceration.
This law has been in effect for several years and is enforced by the Franklin County Health Department and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Jackson Township is involved only in that we are called upon to extinguish the fire and report it to the Health Department or Ohio EPA.
The only type of burning allowed is for
-
Cooking for human consumption
-
Heating tar, welding, acetylene torches, highway safety flares, heating for warmth of outdoor workers and strikers (in container), smudge pots and similar occupational needs
These types of fires shall not be used for waste disposal purposes and shall be of minimum size sufficient for their intended purpose. As an example; if someone reports a large open fire and we arrive at the property and find a large fire and someone holding one hotdog on a stick, we will make them put the fire out. The Sheriff’s office will be called and you will be given a citation to appear in court. The right way to cook this would be to use a grill or cooking ring.
The fuel shall be chosen to minimize the generation and emission of air contaminants. This means burning clean, dry firewood or charcoal only. Trash, debris, limbs, leaves and yard waste can never be burned.
You must call the fire department, Monday – Friday between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm to inform us that you wish to have a fire, even if the fire will be in the evening or on the weekend. Our number is 875-5588. There is no one in the office to take your call after 4:30 pm or on the weekend.
The reason you must call is so that our department is aware of your burning and we can contact the 9-1-1 dispatcher. This is necessary in case someone were to see smoke or flame from your fire and report it by calling 9-1-1. If we are aware of your activities, we will not need to send a full fire assignment which would be very costly to the Township and may take us away from a real emergency.
If weather conditions are windy or if the ground is dry, burning will be prohibited.
Do not burn within 15 feet of any structure.
When you have gained approval from the Fire Department, you must remain with the fire at all times and keep a water source near-by.
For further information, refer to the Franklin County Health Department or the Ohio EPA (www.epa.state.oh.us/ select Rules & Laws, then Air Pollution Control, then scroll down to OAC 3745-19).