COLUMBUS, Ohio — As Ohio enters its fall wildfire season, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry is reminding residents to use caution when burning outdoors and to follow state and local regulations.
Under Ohio law, outdoor burning is prohibited in unincorporated areas between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. during October and November. ODNR is urging residents to take precautions even when burning is permitted.
“It doesn’t take much for a debris fire to escape and become a wildfire, especially when conditions are dry,” said ODNR Division of Forestry Chief Dan Balser. “Following Ohio’s burning regulations and taking a few basic safety precautions can help protect your property, your neighbors, and Ohio’s forests.”
Fall brings increased wildfire risks because of dry grass, weeds and leaves. Gusty winds and low humidity can cause a fire to spread rapidly and make it difficult to control.
ODNR officials say anyone whose fire escapes control should immediately contact the local fire department. Even a fire burning through grass or weeds can pose a serious danger.
Residents can reduce the risk of accidental wildfires by avoiding unnecessary debris burning, keeping grass trimmed and properly disposing of cigarettes and other smoking materials. ODNR also recommends postponing fireworks and avoiding open cooking fires or campfires when conditions are unfavorable.
Farmers are encouraged to regularly inspect equipment for problems that could potentially ignite brush or crop fields.
Safety tips for outdoor burning
For residents who choose to burn during permitted hours, ODNR recommends:
- Check current and forecasted weather conditions before burning.
- Keep water and firefighting tools readily available.
- Never leave a debris fire unattended.
- Know state and local burning regulations.
- Contact the local fire department for information about current conditions and additional safety precautions.
- Consider alternatives to burning, including composting.
- When burning during unrestricted hours, consider using a 55-gallon drum equipped with a weighted screen lid to provide an enclosed burning area.
Residents should also review Ohio Environmental Protection Agency open-burning regulations before starting an outdoor fire and check with local fire officials.
Certain materials should never be burned, including food waste, dead animals and materials containing rubber, grease, asphalt or petroleum.
Violations of Ohio’s outdoor burning regulations can result in citations and fines.
ODNR also reminds Ohioans of the longstanding wildfire prevention message: “Only you can prevent wildfires.”
