Council advanced a second-reading ordinance to regulate open burning in the Village of Cleves, setting size limits for recreational fires, specifying acceptable fuels, and creating a permit process for larger or special-event burns.

The draft ordinance aligns with Ohio Environmental Protection Agency standards, the Ohio Fire Code and the Ohio Revised Code, officials said. Justin Hamy described the operational limits: recreational fires are allowed so long as flames do not exceed 5 feet in diameter and 3 feet in height and only clean, dry, seasoned wood or equivalent clean fuel (natural gas or similar) is used. Portable outdoor fireplaces and grills are permitted under the rules.

A permit application process was proposed for burns that exceed those limits; staff said that larger burns will be evaluated case-by-case with coordination from the fire department and administrative office. Hamy said the application will require the purpose, location, date and time, type and quantity of materials, and a description of safety and extinguishing measures on-site.

Why it matters: The ordinance is intended to reduce risky bonfires and illegal burning of tires, treated lumber and other toxic items; the village cited prior complaints about neighbors burning wire and rubber. Fire-department representatives and the solicitor said the ordinance closes a gap the village previously filled by following Miami Township rules and state conditions.

Discussion highlights: A resident and a longtime fire department member noted most calls involved lawful recreational fires but also recounted incidents where residents burned trash or treated lumber, which are not acceptable. The village emphasized the ordinance will allow recreational use while providing enforcement tools and a permit pathway for larger events.

Actions and next steps: This was a second reading; council said they would consider a permit form and finalize ordinance language in upcoming meetings. Officials noted they may impose temporary bans during drought conditions and will coordinate with fire and health authorities when evaluating permits.

Ending: The council framed the ordinance as balancing resident enjoyment of outdoor fires with safety and public-health protections; further adoption steps and permit forms will return to a future meeting for final action.