RAPCA is authorized by the by Ohio EPA to approve open burning permissions in Clark, Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery and Preble Counties.  Open burning is any fire set outdoors that does not vent to a chimney or smokestack. 

In addition to the smoke and fumes from open burning being a nuisance if it occurs to close to neighboring properties, burning household products is source of air pollutants including particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, dioxins and many other toxic fumes that are associated with serious health risks.  If you are caught violating the Ohio EPA open burning regulations, it can result in substantial civil penalties. 

Open burning without prior permission from RAPCA or Ohio EPA is only allowed when:

• Clean dry wood is used for fuel, and 
• The fire is less than three feet wide and the wood is stacked less than two feet high. 

The following materials cannot be burned at any time in the State of Ohio:

• garbage—any wastes created in the process of handling, preparing, cooking or consuming food or drinks, including any paper, cardboard, plastic or packaging materials; 
• materials containing rubber, grease and asphalt or made from petroleum, such as tires, cars and car parts, plastics or plastic-coated wire; and 
• dead animals—unless approved for control of disease by a governing agency. 

Open burning with prior permission from RAPCA is allowed in certain areas for:

• Land-clearing waste disposal (only unrestricted areas), 
• Fires and/or pyrotechnics as part of film-making or video production,
• Disposal of ignitable or explosive materials, 
• Ceremonial fires, and 
• Firefighter training.     

The criteria that must be met for these open burning activities can be found in OAC rule 3745-19-03 for restricted areas (inside or up to one mile from municipal incorporations) and 3745-19-04 for unrestricted areas. 

Open Burning Permission Request forms can be found on the Ohio EPA Open Burning webpage 

Open Burning with prior notification is allowed in certain areas for: 

• Bonfires or ceremonial fires, 
• Horticultural, silvicultural and prairie management, 
• Agricultural waste disposal generated on the premises, and 
• Prevention or control of disease or pests (must have verification from a health department or Department of Agriculture)

• Open Burning Notification forms can be found on the Ohio EPA Open Burning webpage 

Open Burning Complaints

To file an open of burning complaint you can use the Ohio EPA complaints page or contact RAPCA by email or call (937) 225-4435.