Lake Mohawk DOES NOT permit open burning. During the months of March, April, May, October and November, campfires only are permitted between the hours of 6:00 pm and 6:00 am and must be attended. During the remaining months, campfires are permitted any time but must be attended. Please read the following information obtained from the Ohio EPA website regarding regulations for backyard campfires. Ohio EPA recently revised our open burning regulations to address backyard campfires and the use of outdoor equipment such as deck and patio fireplaces, chimineas, patio hearths, fire tables, fire pits/kettles and other similar devices.
Under these rules, bonfires, campfires and outdoor fireplace equipment if used for cooking, warmth, pleasure, recreation, religious or ceremonial, or similar purposes are allowed (without notifying Ohio EPA) if the following conditions are met.
1. They are fueled with clean seasoned firewood, natural gas, other clean burning fuel (those with emissions that are equal to or lower than those created from the burning of seasoned firewood);
2. They are not used for waste disposal purposes; and
3. They have a total fuel area of no more than three feet in diameter and are no higher than two feet.
These rules became effective on July 7, 2006. Keep in mind that local ordinances may be more stringent than Ohio EPA’ s regulations and may prohibit these kinds of open burning activities. Even if Ohio EPA’s regulations are satisfied, any smoke or emissions that enter a nearby residence’s open window could result in a nuisance complaint through the local authorities.
For more information, see Ohio EPA’s Fact Sheet, Before You Light It ... Know Your Open Burning Regulations.
