COLUMBUS, OH — With dry conditions gripping much of the state, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry and the Ohio State Fire Marshal are urging residents to use extreme caution as Ohio enters its fall wildfire season.
Starting Wednesday, October 1, state law prohibits outdoor burning in unincorporated areas between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. throughout October and November. The restrictions are designed to reduce the risk of wildfires when dry grasses, leaves, and windy conditions make fires more likely to spread out of control.
“Every year, wildfires start in Ohio because residents carelessly burn trash and debris,” said ODNR Division of Forestry Chief Dan Balser. “Wildfires do happen in this state, and they can be avoided by using safe burning practices and following the regulations in place.”
Officials warn that Ohio is currently experiencing abnormally dry to severe drought conditions, further elevating wildfire risk. Even a small grass or debris fire can quickly become dangerous under the right conditions. If a fire escapes control, residents are urged to call their local fire department immediately.
To help prevent accidental wildfires, ODNR and the State Fire Marshal recommend avoiding outdoor trash burning, keeping grass trimmed, safely disposing of cigarettes, postponing fireworks, and taking care with campfires and outdoor cooking. Farmers are also encouraged to inspect equipment regularly to prevent field fires.
The Division of Forestry offers several safety tips for anyone who plans to burn debris outside:
- Check current and future weather conditions.
- Keep water and tools nearby.
- Never leave a fire unattended.
- Follow state and local burning regulations.
- Contact local fire departments for additional safety guidance.
- Consider alternatives such as composting or using a screened 55-gallon burn barrel.
Residents should also review Ohio EPA’s open burning rules and avoid burning prohibited materials, such as food waste, rubber, grease, asphalt, petroleum products, or dead animals. Violations of state burning laws can result in citations and fines.
For more information on wildfire prevention and safe burning practices, visit the Ohio Division of Forestry website or Firewise.org.
