What are the rules for Recreational burning, i.e., fires for pleasure, cooking, ceremonial or similar purposes, in or outside City limits.

Recreational burning, i.e., fires for pleasure, cooking, ceremonial or similar purposes, in or outside City limits, must comply with the following:

  • Maximum size is 3 feet diameter by 2 feet high
  • Acceptable materials to burn include dried wood, natural dimensional lumber scraps, charcoal, propane and natural gas when such materials do not emit dense smoke or noxious odors
  • Barbecues and fire pits must be at least 10 feet from structures
  • Portable outdoor fireplaces must be at least 15 feet from structures
  • Fires on the ground must be at least 25 feet from structures
  • Barbecues and fire pits must be commercially manufactured or constructed of non-combustible materials

Remember to be respectful of your neighbors when you conduct any type of open burning. The City of St. Marys Fire Department is not responsible for regulating or controlling smoke issues. Our responsibility is to protect the public from hazardous fire conditions. For more information please view the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency's website.

Show All Answers

1. My smoke alarm is going off constantly, but I do not see any smoke or fire. What should I do?
2. What are the rules for burning outside of city limits?
3. My smoke alarm is beeping intermittently. What should I do?
4. What are the rules for Recreational burning, i.e., fires for pleasure, cooking, ceremonial or similar purposes, in or outside City limits.
5. My carbon monoxide detector is activated. What should I do?
6. What can never be burned?
7. My fire extinguisher tag is out of date or needs recharged. What should I do?
8. Does the Fire Department fill swimming pools?
9. I am going to be testing my fire alarm or sprinkler system. Should I contact the City?
10. How do I dispose of old paint or gasoline?
11. I smell smoke in my house, but I do not know where it is coming from and I don’t see any fire. What should I do?
12. I hear a tornado siren. What should I do?
13. What hospitals are EMS patients transported to by the St. Marys Fire Department?
14. Why do I see fire apparatus go through an intersection with lights and siren activated and then see them turn them off?
15. Why do firefighters break windows and cut holes in roofs when the fire is inside the building?
16. Do you get cats or other pets out of trees or off of telephone poles?
17. How do I get a copy of a fire or EMS report?
18. Can I arrange for a tour of the Fire Department?
19. Can a fire truck be present at my organization’s function?
20. Can a speaker be requested for a local citizen group meeting?
21. Does the Fire Department teach CPR?
22. What should I do when I see an emergency vehicle with lights and siren approaching?
23. How do I dispose of old medicine or medicine no longer needed?