With spring weather fast approaching and with it the opportunity for yard maintenance and outdoor cooking, the Greenville City Fire Department urges you to become familiar with the laws and regulations which govern open burning.

Protect yourself, your neighbors, and your wallet by knowing the rules -- where and what you can burn. The Ohio Fire Code and EPA have specific regulations concerning open burning, so it is always wise to understand the restrictions that apply.

As it pertains to the city of Greenville, the only legal outdoor fire allowed without a permit is a recreational fire. A recreational fire is defined as a campfire or cooking fire less than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet tall. The following list or rules as stated in the Ohio Fire Code pertains to the regulations for open burning/recreational fires:
- Fire must be attended at all times.
- There must be some form of extinguishment present (garden hose, fire extinguisher, etc.)
- Burn only clean wood – (it is illegal to burn yard waste and trash or garbage at any time)
- Recreational fires, in approved containers, must be at least fifteen feet from any structure.
All other recreational fires must be at least twenty-five feet from any structure.
- Fires that are offensive because of smoke or odor emissions are prohibited.

All other outdoor fires, including bonfires and ceremonial fires, must have prior written permission from:
Regional Air Pollution Control Agency
451 W. Third St.
PO Box 972
Dayton, OH 45422
(513) 225-4435

This public safety message brought to you courtesy of the Greenville City Fire Department.