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What You Can and Can’t Burn in Elizabeth Township

TL;DR

Open burning in Elizabeth Township, Ohio, is governed by Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 3756-19, which permits only clean, dry woody materials and paper, and strictly prohibits items like food waste, dead animals, rubber, grease, asphalt, and plastics. Noncompliance can cause wildfires, toxic smoke, and legal penalties. Follow our safe burning tips, check local weather conditions, and reference related Ohio Revised Code sections to stay compliant and protect our community.

Key Takeaways

  • Only clean, dry wood, paper, and similar woody materials may be burned under OAC 3756-19.
  • Never burn food waste, dead animals, rubber products, grease, asphalt, plastics, wiring, or cables.
  • Burning prohibited materials can release cyanide, phosgene, and other toxic gases.
  • Notify nearby residents, document conditions, and maintain EPA access to your burn site.
  • Always check local weather—winds above 15 mph can turn a controlled burn into a wildfire.

Open burning can be a convenient way to dispose of brush and yard waste. Still, in Elizabeth Township, it is subject to strict regulations aimed at protecting public health and the environment. As your local Fire Department and EMS provider, we want to ensure you understand what materials are safe to burn, the hazards of burning prohibited items, and how to comply with state law. By following these guidelines, you’ll help prevent wildfires, reduce toxic smoke, and stay on the right side of the Ohio Administrative Code.

Overview of Ohio’s Open Burning Regulations

Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) Chapter 3756-19 governs open burning throughout the state. Its primary goal is to permit only those burns that pose minimal risk, while prohibiting materials that can harm air quality, public health, or property. Key requirements include:

  • Notice: Inform nearby homes and businesses before you ignite.
  • Documentation: Record weather conditions, smoke direction, and visibility.
  • Access: Ensure the Ohio EPA can reach your burn site for inspection.

For full details, review the official text of OAC 3756-19.

Permitted Materials for Open Burning

Under OAC 3756-19, the only materials you may burn are clean, dry woody items and uncoated paper products. Examples include:

  • Yard Waste: Leaves, small branches, brush, and twigs.
  • Clean Wood: Unpainted, untreated lumber, pallets without metal parts, and construction scraps free of preservatives.
  • Paper Products: Uncoated cardboard, paper bags, and shredded paper, provided no inks or coatings are present.

Tips for burning permitted materials safely:

  • Keep piles small and manageable.
  • Stack wood loosely to allow air circulation.
  • Position the burn away from structures, fences, and dry grass.
  • Always have a water source or fire extinguisher nearby.

Prohibited Materials: What Not to Burn

OAC 3756-19 explicitly forbids burning any of the following:

  • Food Waste: Cooked or uncooked, including meat, vegetables, and fruit.
  • Dead Animals: Carcasses, bones, and animal byproducts.
  • Rubber Products: Tires, hoses, belts, and gaskets.
  • Grease and Oils: Cooking oils, fats, and lubricants.
  • Asphalt and Petroleum Products: Shingles, tar, road oil, plastics, and synthetic materials.
  • Electrical and Cable Insulation: Wiring, TV cables, telephone cables, and coated cables.

Burning these materials can violate OAC 3756-19, result in fines, and pose serious health hazards.

Dangers of Burning Toxic Substances

When prohibited materials burn, they generate toxic compounds that can threaten both firefighters and neighbors:

  • Cyanide: Released from burning plastics and rubbers, it can be lethal in high concentrations.
  • Phosgene Gas: Used as a chemical weapon in World War I, phosgene can form when certain chlorinated plastics combust.
  • Particulate Matter (PM2.5): Fine particles travel deep into lungs and the bloodstream, aggravating asthma and heart disease.
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Contribute to smog, eye irritation, and long-term respiratory issues.

Health and environmental risks include:

  • Smoke plumes drift into neighboring yards and roadways.
  • Potential ignition of nearby dry vegetation, leading to wildfires.
  • Noncompliance fines under Ohio law and potential liability for damages.

Safe Burning Practices

To ensure your open burn remains safe and compliant, follow these straightforward steps:

  1. Notify Neighbors: Let homes and businesses within 500 feet know your planned burn time and location.
  2. Check Conditions: Record wind speed, humidity, and visibility before starting—winds above 15 mph are too risky.
  3. Contain the Fire: Create a cleared perimeter at least 10 feet wide around the burn pile.
  4. Supervise at All Times: Never leave an open fire unattended, even for a few minutes.
  5. Extinguish Completely: Douse coals and embers with water, stir, then douse again until cool.

These practices help protect property, reduce smoke hazards, and demonstrate responsible stewardship of our environment.

Relation to Other Ohio Codes

Open burning regulations in OAC 3756-19 work alongside several Ohio Revised Code (ORC) sections. For in-depth legal language, visit the links:

  • ORC 3734.03: Governs solid and hazardous waste management.
  • ORC 1503.18: Authorizes County Fire Chiefs to enforce fire safety standards.
  • ORC 3704.112: Addresses air pollution from open burning activities.

By understanding how these statutes interconnect, you’ll ensure full compliance with state law and avoid unintended violations.

Weather and Environmental Considerations

Even permitted burns can become dangerous under adverse weather conditions:

  • Wind: Gusts over 15 mph can blow embers into dry brush, igniting wildfires.
  • Humidity: Low humidity dries fuels, increasing burn intensity.
  • Temperature: High heat days can exacerbate smoke impacts and fire spread.

Before you burn, always:

  • Consult the National Weather Service forecast for Amelia or nearby stations.
  • Delay burns if red-flag warnings, drought conditions, or high ozone days are declared.
  • Keep an eye on local burn bans issued by Warren County or the Ohio EPA.

These precautions not only reduce risk, they also show respect for neighbors with respiratory sensitivities.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is open burning under Ohio law? 
Open burning is any fire where products of combustion are emitted directly into the open air without passing through a stack or chimney, per OAC 3756-19.

Do I need a permit to burn brush? 
No permit is required for burning only clean woody materials, but you must comply with notification and safety requirements.

Can I burn painted or treated wood?
No, painted, stained, or treated wood releases toxic chemicals and is prohibited under OAC 3756-19.

What should I do if my burn gets out of control?
Immediately call 911, contain the perimeter if safe, and use water or a fire extinguisher until help arrives.

Are there fines for violating open burning rules?
Yes, noncompliance can result in fines, restoration costs, and potential civil liability under both OAC and ORC sections related to air pollution and fire safety.

Responsible open burning is a balance between convenience and safety. By burning only clean, dry woody materials, following safe-burn practices, and respecting local weather and neighbor notifications, you protect our community from avoidable wildfires and toxic smoke. Staying informed about OAC 3756-19 and related Ohio Revised Code sections ensures you remain compliant and contribute to a healthier environment for all.

Have more questions or need guidance on a burn project? Reach out to Elizabeth Township Fire Department and EMS: https://www.elizabethtownshipohio.com/EMS. Let’s keep Elizabeth Township safe.