Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions that are asked of the fire department

Can I have a recreational fire at my home?

The Ohio Fire Code Section 307 and the Washington Township Fire Department have the following requirements for recreational fires:

1. The fire must be for cooking.
2. Only well seasoned wood shal be burned. The fire cannot be used to dispose of trash or yard waste (No material such as leaves, grass, or garbage).
3. The pit or fire ring must be three (3) feet or less in diameter. The fire can be no greater than two (2) feet in height.
4. The fire has to be at least 25 feet from any combustible materials.
5. Never conduct a recreational fire during strong wind conditions or during a dry period that can cause the fire to spread.
6. Do not have a recreational fire when it can create an offensive or objectionable smoke condition. If complaints are received by the Washington Township Fire Department regarding a recreational fire, you may be asked to extinguish the fire.
7. The fire shall be constantly attended until extinguished. This shall be attended by a responsible adult.
8. A fire extinguisher with a 4-A rating, working garden hose, or buckets of water, shall be provided at the site so that the fire can be controlled or extinguished.
9. We ask that you notify the Washington Township Fire Department dispatch center on the Non-Emergency number (433-7644) when conducting a recreation fire. This number is for non-emergency use only. Please call 9-1-1 if you have an emergency.

Can I have a grill at my apartment or condominium?

Every year residential complexes suffer severe damage or loss from fires that begin with an open-flame cooking device being operated on a balcony. According to the U.S. Fire Administration there is an average of 6,500 grill fires each year. These result in almost 27 million dollars in fire loss.

The Ohio Fire Code regulates open flame cooking devices in Section 308. This code was adopted by Ohio Department of Commerce, State Fire Marshal Division, and is effective state-wide.

These rules apply to multi-family structures (those with more than two living units). The code does not prevent the use of these cooking devices on the decks of one and two-family dwellings.

According to Section 308.3.1 of the Ohio Fire Code, the operation of a charcoal burner, or any other open-flame cooking device, is prohibited on combustible decks and balconies. In addition, these devices shall not be used anywhere within 10 feet of combustible construction, which could include a nearby wall, overhang, patio fence, railing, or the deck above your own deck or patio.

In any cooking device using propane fuel is subject to regulation in Section 308.3.1.1.1 depending on the size of the fuel container. Any device using a fuel container larger than one-pound is prohibited to be used or stored on combustible decks and balconies. In addition, these devices shall not be used or stored anywhere within 10 feet of combustible construction, which could include a nearby wall, overhang, patio fence, railing, or the deck above your own deck or patio. It is worth noting that the typical gas grill utilizes an LP (liquid propane) container with a nominal capacity of 20 pounds of LP-gas.

The owner of the structure and/or complex is reponsible for insuring that the requirements of the Ohio Fire Code are followed.

If you have further questions about using cooking devices on multi-family dwelling balconies, please call the Washington Township Fire Department, (937) 433-3083.