Open Burning in Middletown

The OEPA along with our Fire Marshal regulate open burning. This season we see many
instances of open burning and I thought the following information would be useful to Council.
 

What can be burned/what is permitted?

• Wood stack ( 3x2 or smaller) used for barbeques, campfires and cookouts

• Agricultural wastes: tree trimmings, stumps, weeds, brush, leaves, grass, fence posts
and scrap lumber. Must be 1,000 or more feet from a neighbor’s inhabited building.

• Wood stack (5x5 or smaller) used for ceremonial fires with a duration of 3 hours or
less

• Occupational fires: welding torches, heating tar, heating for warmth of outdoor
workers and strikers

• A controlled burning mechanism such as a patio fireplace

What can’t be burned?

• Garbage

• Materials containing rubber, grease and asphalt

• Materials made from petroleum

• Dead animals

• Open burning is not allowed when air pollution warnings, alerts or emergencies are
in effect

• Fires cannot obscure visibility for roadways, railroad trucks or airfields

• No wastes generated off of the premises may be burned

Recreational fires, bonfires and other exceptions may be permitted through the EPA or the Fire
Marshal’s office. If you see a fire that causes you concern, call 911. For general questions, call
our Fire Marshal’s office at 513-425-1881