Open Burning Regulations

You are open burning any time you light an outdoor fire without a chimney or stack.

Yes: Open burning is allowed for the following purposes in Kent without prior permission from the Akron Regional Air Quality Management or the Ohio EPA:

• Cooking for human consumption.
• Designated occupational needs.

Open Burning of ANY kind is prohibited on those days designated Ozone Action Days per Ohio EPA.

Yes: The City of Kent has an Open Burning Ordinance. All recreational fires Must meet the following requirements:

• Notification of the Kent Fire Department is requested PRIOR to the fire being kindled. Please call 330-673-8814 and submit Name, Address, and Duration of fire.
• The location of the fire must be at least fifty (50) feet from any structure or motor vehicle on adjacent property, and provisions must be made to prevent the spread of fire to within fifty (50) feet of structures and motor vehicles.  This means keeping combustible ground debris such as leaves and brush away from the fire. (i.e. fire pits & portable fire pits without a top)
• Fires in approved containers (an enclosure which surrounds and contains embers, hot ashes and sparks sufficiently to prohibit any spread of the fire beyond permissible dimensions) shall be permitted provided they are at least fifteen (15) feet from any structure. (i.e. Chiminea’s, gas or propane fireplaces)
• Use only dry seasoned firewood, natural gas or equivalent, or any clean burning fuel with emissions that are equivalent or lower than those caused by the burning of seasoned firewood.
• The fire shall be constantly attended by a competent person until the fire is extinguished. Fire extinguishing equipment shall be readily available/ nearby. A garden hose or fire bucket meets this requirement.
• The fire shall be limited to a size NO larger than 3’ x 3’, and NO taller than two (2) feet high.
• Fires that the Fire Department deem offensive or objectionable due to smoke or odor emissions will be ordered extinguished.

No: No person shall burn ANY refuse, rubbish, waste or other trash materials within the State of Ohio. This includes leaves, large uncut limbs or lawn waste.

Yes: Bon Fires are permitted with PRIOR notification to your local air quality management district or the Ohio EPA for the following – excluding waste disposal purposes:

• Prevention and control of disease or pests.
• Recognized silviculture, range or wildlife management.
• Recognized ceremonial purposes. PRIOR approval required. Total burn area is no greater than five (5) feet in diameter and five (5) feet in height and the duration of burn is no longer than three (3) hours.
• All other stated rules apply.

Forms of notification can be found on your Ohio EPA website. Akron Regional Air Quality Management information line: 330-375-2545 or 330-375-2480.

Yes: The Fire Department will investigate all complaints of Open Burning. Provided the fire complies with the City of Kent Codified Ordinance for Open Burning (1503.03), it will be permitted to burn. However, the Fire Department will prohibit and order the extinguishment of any open burning that is offensive and objectionable due to smoke or odor emissions when atmospheric conditions make such fires hazardous or endangering to persons.

The Fire Department will NOT mediate neighborhood disputes. All complaints will be handled according to compliance with the City of Kent Codified Ordinance for Open Burning.

Yes: If you don't follow the requirements of the Open Burning Ordinance (City of Kent Codified Ordinances - Chapter 1503) you could be cited. A violation is a misdemeanor of the third degree which could result in a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) or imprisoned not more than sixty days, or both.

The Ohio EPA and the Akron Regional Air Quality Management District have the authority to enforce the State's Open Burning Laws. Violations can result in substantial penalties. 

If you have any questions or would like to report a suspected open burning incident, contact your Ohio EPA district office (800-686-6330) or the City of Kent Fire Department (330-673-8814).