Tips & Advice
Jackson Township Fire Code Official offers tips about outdoor fireplaces, fire pits and chimneys.
- Construction: The fireplace or other device shall be commercially manufactured or constructed of non-combustible material.
- Location: Fires in these devices shall be located not less than 15 feet from any combustible structure (including fences and sheds).
- Prohibited Location: These devices are not suitable for use on decks or patios of multi-family and apartment complexes.
- Fuel: Use only dry seasoned untreated wood that easily fits inside the unit. Do not burn: plastic, yard waste construction materials or other trash. Do not use gasoline, lighter fuel or other flammables to start the fire.
- Burning: When ignited, the fire must remain contained within the unit.
- Attendance: The fire must be supervised by an adult at all times. Never leave children unattended near a fire.
- Extinguishment: You should have a water source such as a garden hose, bucket of sand or ABC type fire extinguisher present anytime you use the device.
- High Pollution Days: These devices may not be used during “Air Quality Alert days”.
- Permit: A permit is not required to use these devices, but notification is requested.
- Impact on Neighbors: These devices may be used as long as they do not “cause injury, nuisance, or annoyance to the general public”.
- Extinguishment Authority: The fire code official is authorized to order the extinguishment of any open burning that creates or adds to a hazardous or objectionable situation. If a neighbor calls and complains about the smoke drifting into their homes, embers drifting onto their property and/or the fire getting out of control you may be ordered to extinguish your fire.
Learn more about open burning at epa.ohio.gov