What is the Difference between an Open Burn and a Prescribed Fire?
In Ohio, most outdoor burning in unincorporated (rural) areas is prohibited in the months of March, April, May, October and November between 6 am and 6 pm. This ban applies to both Open Burns and Prescribed Fires. The term “Open Burns” refers to debris, brush and trash fires. Open burns are typically fires that are used to get rid of waste or debris. No open burns are allowed when the burn ban is in effect. “Prescribed Fires” refers to fires that are intentionally lit, under predetermined conditions, to meet various resource management objectives, such as vegetation regeneration, forest fuels reduction, or wildlife management. Prescribed fires may be conducted during the burn ban, but only with the permission of the Chief of the Division of Forestry. Outdoor burning in Ohio is regulated by • Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Forestry • Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) OEPA’S OUTDOOR BURNING LAWS The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency regulates smoke
