Huber Ridge Area

A few years back we noticed an open fire in the yard behind and just to the west of us with flames jumping up pretty high.  There was no one in the yard and it was about 10pm.  We called the fire dept to come and after several minutes of loud banging on the doors someone finally answered, they had gone to bed and left the fire burning.  Neat huh?  Anyway, we spoke to the fire fighters and they told us that in Blendon Township we are permitted to have fires in our yards but they must be a certain distance from any building and it must be attended at all times. 

I just phoned the non-emergency phone number for Engine house 112 on Shrock Road and the dispatcher said she thought that those were the only regulations but gave me the phone number for the individual who could give me more specifics with regard to the regulation number "on the books".  I have put a call into that person who will most likely return my call tomorrow.  I'll post the information when I hear back.

Thanks for posting the issue, I don't recall seeing this one in this blog before. 

Carolyn Cordray

To be sure my reply was accurate I contacted Chief Ingles of Blendon/Westerville Fire/EMS, copied and pasted below is his answer. The PDF document is now posted in the main area of this website for all to view.

James Welch

Since the resident lives in the township, they are governed by the Ohio EPA
rules on open burning.  Please see the attached PDF document which outlines
rules and explains what is permitted.

Also, section 307.4 of the State
Fire code says "The location for open burning shall not be less than 50 feet
from any structure, and provisions shall be made to prevent the fire from
spreading to within 50 feet of any structure.  The minimum required distance
from a structure shall be 25 feet where the pile is 3 feet or less in diameter
and 2 feet or less in height."

Assuming the resident wants a camp/cooking
fire that is 3 feet by 2 feet in a pit, a permit is not required from
us.

If the resident would like for an inspector to stop by and see the
pit he has constructed, and give some helpful tips for safe burning, let me
know. 

No rules  - just common sense.  Keep  a safe distance from wood fences, your house and any other thing that may be flamable in the back yard (garden shed etc).   I think Westerville fire recommends 9 ft from flamable things like wood fences = but that is not a quote.  

Recently, this question was posed to the Blendon Township facebook page, and Bryan Rhoads answered with, "As long as guidelines are followed for safety and keeping the fire contained you are allowed to have fires. Anyone wanting to have a small pit of any type should consult with the Fire Department for proper guidelines."

Our neighborhood has rules like most neighborhoods, all with safety and consideration of others and the environment in mind.  I am grateful for neighbors like you who even think to ask and attempt to do what is right.

Thanks,

Pam Clegg