- Home
- Government
- Departments
- Fire Department
- Community Education
- Open Burn Guidelines
Open Burn Guidelines
Residents of Beavercreek City and Township may have a recreational fire on their property if they follow certain guidelines. These Rules and Regulations set forth by the Ohio Fire Code (OFC) are regulated by the Beavercreek Township Fire Department (BTFD). The following are details of what to know before you burn:
What is the Difference?
- A Recreational An outdoor fire where the fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, portable outdoor fireplace, barbeque grill, or barbeque pit and has a total fuel area of 3 ft. or less in diameter and 2ft or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, warmth, or similar purposes." OFC 2017 Rule 2 Pg. 77 Click here for our Recreational Fire Printout
- A Bonfire is an outdoor fire utilized for ceremonial purposes (flag decommissioning, boy scout ceremonies, etc.)
- Open Burning is defined as any outdoor fire that is not enclosed by some sort of container, In open burning, the by-products of the fire - gases, ashes, & soot- are thus emitted directly into the air.
- Fire Pits are recreational fire conducted in a gas-fired recreations pits.
- Portable Outdoor Fireplaces are constructed of noncombustible materials such as metal or concrete and can moved freely outdoors. May be of open design or have a small shaft or chimney.
Click here for an Open Burn Guidelines printout
Size Matters:
- A Recreational fire cannot exceed 3 foot in diameter by 2-foot-tall.
- A Bonfire must remain smaller than 5 foot in diameter by 5-foot-tall with a burning time limit of 3 hours.
Location, Location, Location:
- Open burning should be reasonably distanced from any structure- with no possibility of spreading to the structure(s) or combustible materials.
- Recreational fires shall maintain a 25-foot distance from structures
- Bonfires shall maintain a 50-foot distance from structures
- Fires in approved containers, such as portable outdoor fireplaces and fire pits shall maintain a 15-foot distance from structures.
- Distance may be modified by the code official upon inspection.
Stay close. Stay safe:
- Any open burning, recreational or bonfire, must be constantly attended by an adult until the fire is completely extinguished.
- A means of extinguishment- Fire Ext., dirt, sand, water barrel or garden hose must be readily available while the fire is burning.
When not to burn:
- Open burning shall be…is in effect.
- Even if your fire is within…roadway hazard.
Materials to burn:
- Only seasoned, clean & dry firewood that generates a minimum of air contaminants can be used as fuel for any open burning, recreational fire, or bonfire.
- Never burn yard waste…or dead animals as it is prohibited.
- Approved fuels such as charcoal and propane may be used in barbeque grills, smokers, and/or flattops per manufacturer's instructions.
To permit or not to permit:
- Recreational fires used to cook food for human consumption do not require a permit. However, please contact 937-426-1216 to alert dispatch of your intended burning.
- Bonfires for ceremonial purposes should be addressed with RAPCA.
General Advice on burning:
Feel free to have a cook-out in your back yard this summer. Just be aware of and follow the regulations. Also, be aware of the weather conditions. If it is a windy day, it is not a good idea to start a fire. The wind can blow the flames to nearby vegetation or a building and quickly cause a small fire to become out of control.
Open burning of any kind is prohibited on air pollution advisory days. Make sure that you are aware of your surroundings as well. If your neighbors are close by, it’s a good idea to let them know you will be having a cook-out. Let them know when and for how long, and also ask them to let you know if the smoke bothers them.
Further Questions
If you have questions about whether your fire is permitted or not, contact the Beavercreek Township Fire Department at 937-426-1627 or email the Beavercreek Township Fire Department Prevention Bureau.