Ohio Code § 1503.18

Ohio Code § 1503.18. Reproduced from the official Ohio Revised Code, with a citation summary, verification link, and related provisions.

§ 1503.18.

(A) No person shall kindle a fire upon public land without the written permission of

the forest-fire warden having jurisdiction or on land of another without the written

permission of the owner or the owner's agent. (B) No person shall kindle or authorize another to kindle a fire in or near any woodland,

brushland, or land containing tree growth or in any place from which the fire is likely

to escape unless all leaves, grass, wood, and inflammable material surrounding the

place where the fire is kindled have first been removed to a safe distance and all

other reasonable precautions have been taken to prevent its escape from control.  No fire shall be left until extinguished or safely covered. (C) Excepting fires kindled in a plowed field, garden, or public highway at a distance

of not less than two hundred feet from any woodland, brushland, or field containing

dry grass or other inflammable material, no person shall kindle or authorize another

to kindle a fire in the open air, outside the limits of any municipal corporation

or land controlled by any railroad company, for the purpose of burning wood, brush,

weeds, grass, or rubbish of any kind between the hours of six a.m. and six p.m. during

the months of March, April, May, October, and November in any year.  The chief of the division of forestry may adopt rules in accordance with Chapter

119. of the Revised Code to expand the times and places for kindling fires for any

affected persons. (D) The times and places for kindling fires established under division (C) of this section

may be restricted or eliminated by executive order of the governor if environmental

conditions so warrant. (E) Fires kindled by improperly disposing of a lighted match, cigar, or other burning

or glowing substance are kindled fires within the meaning of this section.

Source: official Ohio text · Last verified 2026-08-27

At a glance

  • Citation: Ohio Revised Code § 1503.18
  • Jurisdiction: Ohio
  • Code: Ohio Revised Code
  • Text: transcribed from the official source (verify below)

Verify the text

Statute text is transcribed from the official Ohio Revised Code. Confirm it against the primary source before relying on it:

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed Ohio attorney.

Common questions

What is the source of Ohio Revised Code § 1503.18?

The text above is transcribed from the Ohio Revised Code, the codified statutes of Ohio. The official publisher link appears under "Verify the text" on this page.

What subject does Ohio Revised Code § 1503.18 address?

It addresses the rule set out in the section text. Read the section together with the surrounding provisions listed under "Nearby provisions" for the full picture.

Is Ohio Revised Code § 1503.18 still in force?

Statutes are amended, repealed, and renumbered every session. Confirm the current version at the official Ohio source before relying on this text.

Can this page be used as legal advice?

No. This is a reference transcription for research. Applying Ohio law to your facts requires a licensed Ohio attorney who can review the specifics.