A recreational fire is defined as an outdoor fire burning materials other than rubbish where the fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, barbeque grill or barbeque pit and has a total fire area of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes (Ohio Fire Code, 302.1 Definitions). Although these fires are typically fairly small in size, they can still represent a significant fire hazard.
Codified Ordinances of the City of Reading
In an effort to minimize damage and/or injury from fires, the Reading Fire Department requires all recreational
fires to meet the Codified Ordinances of the City of Reading. Violations of any provision of Chapter 1610, The
Fire Prevention Code, shall be guilty of a minor misdemeanor. Any subsequent offenses, such person shall be
guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree. Fines, penalties and sentencing shall be in accordance with Chapter
698 of the Codified Ordinances of Reading
- When a recreational fire is contained within an approved container (i.e. chimineas, commercial fire pits, screened devices, etc.), the fire shall be located more than 15 feet from any structure. The immediate are within 15 feet should also be clear of combustible materials, such as overgrown brush, weeds and shrubs.
- When a recreational fire is not in an approved screened device, the fire should be located more than 25 feet from any structure. The immediate area within 25 feet should also be clear of combustible materials, such as overgrown brush, weeds and shrubs.
- The burning of garbage, leaves, landscape waste, construction waste, and other combustible materials is prohibited. Only seasoned, dried firewood is permitted.
- The fire must be started using combustible materials; no flammable/combustible liquids can used to ignite the fire (i.e. gasoline, diesel, lantern fuel, etc.).
- The recreational fire must not exceed a total fire area of 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes.
- The Fire Department may prohibit any or all open burning when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous or a nuisance.
- A means for immediate utilization for extinguishment must be readily available. One must maintain a method available for fire extinguishment (i.e. minimum 4-A rated fire extinguisher, garden hose connected to a water source, shovel with sand/dirt nearby).
- All open burns shall be constantly attended by an adult until extinguished.