Pickaway County Ohio – As springtime approaches, Ohio residents are reminded of the annual burn ban that takes effect in March. The state-wide ban aims to reduce wildfire risk during a period when dry conditions and warm weather can create dangerous fire hazards.
What the Burn Ban Means
The Ohio Revised Code 1503.18 prohibits most open burning in unincorporated areas during the months of March, April, May, October, and November between the hours of 6 am and 6 pm. This includes:
- Burning yard debris like leaves, branches, and grass clippings
- Trash burning
- Burning in a burn barrel
Why the Burn Ban?
- Spring Wildfire Risk: Before foliage has a chance to fully green, vegetation can become very dry. Combined with warmer weather and potential wind, the risk for wildfires spreading quickly increases.
- Fall Fire Hazard: Abundant dry leaves and other debris in the fall create a similar fire risk, making the autumn months another period of elevated danger.
Important Exceptions
The burn ban does have some exceptions, including:
- Campfires and small cooking fires
- Burning conducted by trained firefighters for fire suppression or public safety
- Grilling with charcoal and propane grills within designated areas
Staying Safe
- Alternatives to Burning: Consider composting yard waste, utilizing local debris disposal services, or waiting until outside of the burn ban months.
- Fire Safety First: Always follow basic fire safety practices, even for permitted fires. Have water accessible, supervise fires constantly, and extinguish them fully.
Additional Resources:
- Ohio Division of Forestry Burn Ban Information: https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/woodland-management/open-burn-laws
- Ohio EPA Open Burning Guidelines: [invalid URL removed]
- Local Fire Department Burn Regulations: Check your municipality’s website for additional rules.
Remember, a small fire can quickly become a large problem. By being mindful of the Ohio burn ban, residents can help keep their communities safe and protect our natural spaces from wildfire damage.
