Warmer weather is upon us and with that, comes spring clean up. Here is a reminder that burning of yard waste is not permitted in the City of Mentor. Our yard waste collection program is currently underway and leaves, grass and other yard debris is picked up on your regular trash day.
With that said, gathering around a fire with family and friends is a popular way to pass the time. Before you light your fire, there are a few things you need to know.
Portable Outdoor Fireplace and Grills
A portable, outdoor fireplace that may be open in design or may be equipped with a small hearth opening and a short chimney or chimney operating at the top.
- Shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Shall not be used in any apartment, or on any balcony, or within 10’ of any structure.
- This includes charcoal burners, LP gas grills and other open flame devices.
Recreational Fires
A recreational fire has a fuel area of 3’ or less in diameter and 2’ or less in height. No permit is required. Does not include incinerator, outdoor fireplace, portable outdoor fireplace, and barbecue grill or barbecue pit.
- Only seasoned wood shall be used.
- Shall have a fuel area 3’ or less in diameter and 2’ or less in height.
- Shall not be conducted within 25’ of a structure or combustible material.
- Conditions which would cause a fire to spread within 25’ of any structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.
- Fire shall be constantly attended by a responsible person until the fire is extinguished.
- A fire extinguisher, charged garden hose or other approved fire extinguishing equipment shall be on site and available for immediate use.
- Excessive high winds may result in the fire having to be extinguished.
- Burning is NOT permitted on Ozone Action Days.
- Disposal of grass, leaves, brush or paper, etc. is prohibited.
Bonfires
A bonfire is a fire that has a fuel area of 3’ or more in diameter. A permit is required from the Fire Prevention Bureau prior to having a bonfire. Two business days notice, please.
- Only seasoned wood is to be used. You cannot burn construction wood/scrap.
- Over 3’ in diameter.
- Fire shall be constantly attended by a responsible person until the fire is extinguished. A fire extinguisher, charged garden hose or other approved fire extinguishing equipment shall be on-site and available for immediate use.
- Location of bonfire shall not be within 50’ of any structure or combustible material, unless contained in a BBQ pit.
- Conditions that would cause a fire to spread within 50’ of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.
- Excessive high winds may result in revocation of the permit.
- Disposal of grass, leaves, brush, or paper, etc. is prohibited.
- Burning is NOT permitted on Ozone Action Days.
Any conditions which are a nuisance or hazard to neighbors can result in the fire being extinguished. For more information, contact Fire Prevention Bureau 440-974-5768.