Open Burning

Open burning is defined as the burning of any materials wherein air contaminants resulting from combustion are emitted directly into the ambient air without passing through a stack or chimney. Open burning includes the burning of any refuse or salvageable material in any device. Please see Mayfield Heights' Codified Ordinance 559.08 for open burning here.

Recreational Fires on Residential Property

The Ohio Fire Code, Ohio Revised Code, and City of Mayfield Heights Ordinances allow for small recreational fires on residential property under the following conditions:

1. The fires are fueled with seasoned firewood, natural gas, or other clean burning fuel with emissions that are equivalent to or lower than those created by burning seasoned firewood.

2. The fires are for recreational purposes only, such as cooking, pleasure, warmth, or similar purposes. Burning of yard waste, landscape waste, or garbage is not allowed.

3  The fuel area for the fire shall be less than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.

4. The fires are to be constantly attended to with a fire extinguisher or other means of extinguishment (such as a garden hose) readily available.

5.  Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material, e.g., homes, sheds, fences, or decks. Conditions that could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.

6.  Portable outdoor fireplaces shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and shall not be operated within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material.

Although recreational fires are allowed on residential property, Mayfield Heights Fire Department requests that you be courteous and respectful to your neighbor, as some individuals have sensitivity to smoke due to an underlying health condition.

Please remember the fire code official is authorized to order the extinguishment of a fire if it creates or adds to a hazardous or objectionable situation. Please contact the Fire Prevention Inspector, David Lawrence, for any questions at 440-442-2626, ext 286.

Bonfires

Bonfires are only allowed with approval from the EPA.