Cuyahoga County, Ohio
Ohio's statewide statutory rule applies today: restrictions on residential and open burning are in force. Outside Municipal Corporations. City limits are governed by local ordinance.
What this means
- Open burning between 6:00 AM and 18:00 PM outside city limits
- Small cooking fires (grill, camp stove)
- Open burning outside the March–May / October–November window
Penalties in Ohio
A violation of ORC §1503.18 is a fourth-degree misdemeanor. If the fire escapes and destroys property, penalties escalate.
Classification: Fourth-degree misdemeanor · Maximum fine: up to $250
Sources & audit log
| Checked | Source | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 31, 2026 | Ohio Revised Code §1503.18 ↗ | status: Partial Restrictions |
Neighbouring counties
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Still legal during a ban
None of these are a way around Cuyahoga county's restriction — they're what stays legal regardless of it: contained burning, screened fire pits, and basic fire safety gear. Always confirm locally before burning anything.
Contained burn barrels
A lidded, spark-arrestor barrel keeps debris burning contained rather than as open burning — check your county's rules, since some bans cover any outdoor fire regardless of containment.
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Most burn bans target open debris burning, not a screened recreational fire pit — but always confirm locally, since some restrictions cover any outdoor flame.
Fire extinguishers
Always worth having on hand near any permitted fire, ban or no ban.
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Limits of this information
burnbanradar reads public burn-ban orders as published by Ohio Revised Code §1503.18 and reports them unchanged. Cities and municipalities within Cuyahoga county may impose stricter rules than the county order. Water districts and state forestry rules may add further restrictions. When an order is ambiguous or the source cannot be reached, we show Unconfirmed instead of guessing a status. The county's own posted order governs.
Common questions
Is Cuyahoga county under a burn ban right now?
Partial restrictions apply. Ohio's statewide rule limits when and where you can burn today. See the "What this means" module above for the specifics.
What can I still burn in Cuyahoga county?
Standard open burning is currently permitted, subject to any municipal ordinance in your area. Never leave a fire unattended, and keep water and a shovel nearby.
How do I report an illegal fire in Cuyahoga county?
Call 911 for any fire that is out of control or threatens property. For non-emergency violations of a burn-ban order, contact the Cuyahoga Sheriff's Office or fire marshal.