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Open Burning in the City of Dayton Open burning is generally prohibited within the City, with just a few exceptions, or unless a permit has been issued. Cooking and recreational fires: allowed without a permit or notification to the fire department. These fires are used for the preparation of food or recreation. These fires are restricted to cooking appliances or a three-foot by three- foot (3x3) fire pit for a limited duration, typically not more than 3 hrs. Bonfires: Bonfires require a Dayton Fire Department permit and advance notice to RAPCA. Specific restrictions/conditions will be noted on the City permit and RAPCA letter. Warming Fires: Warming fires are used during cold months for outdoor workers. A Dayton Fire Department permit and RAPCA approval letter is required to have a warming fire; the permit will specify periods (may allow for a warming fire to be operational for several months) and other restrictions. Minimum Distances: Fires shall be in a safe location and kept away from structures and public ways. Small cooking and recreational fires, in containers and with flames less than two feet high – 25 to 50 feet. Bonfires/recreational fires with flames higher than two feet – 50 feet or more. BBQ grills and very small fires in fully enclosed or approved containers with a chimney (ex. chimineas), may be placed within a reasonable distance to a structure (never closer than 15’), provided that it remains on a noncombustible surface and does not pose a fire risk. Grills are not permitted on apartment decks, patios or balconies. For All Fires: All open burning shall be constantly attended and means of extinguishment shall be nearby – a fire extinguisher, garden hose, dirt, sand, or water barrel. Only clean dry wood may be burned. Violations are a minor misdemeanor, punishable by a $100 fine; Dayton Fire Code Section F-403.1, as adopted by City of Dayton Revised Code of General Ordinances 92.01. Atmospheric, Smoke and/or Unsafe Conditions: If at any point in time, the open burning becomes objectionable or creates a nuisance condition due to smoke or odor emissions or atmospheric conditions or local conditions make such fire hazardous, the fire official or RAPCA may order the extinguishment of any open burning for any reason. At no point in time may waste debris, plastic, treated wood or yard cuttings be burned. To apply for an Open Burning Permit, or if you have questions, please call the Dayton Fire Department at (937) 333-4520 Quality of Life Neighborhood Issues – City of Dayton Mediation Center (937) 333-2345 may be able to assist with issues that are not code violations.