ODNR Urges Caution During Ohio’s
Fall Wildfire Season

 
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Fall burning regulations will be in effect Wednesday, October 1, but with dry conditions throughout the state the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry and the Ohio State Fire Marshal urge Ohioans to take precautions now and follow the state’s outdoor burning regulations if they plan to burn debris. State law dictates that outdoor burning is prohibited in unincorporated areas from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. during October and November.
 
Various areas in the state are seeing abnormally dry and moderate to severe drought conditions that can pose an elevated risk of wildfires. ODNR and the State Fire Marshal encourage anyone thinking about burning to take no chances and be safe.
 

Wildfire in Scioto County. 

 
“Every year, wildfires start in Ohio because residents carelessly burn trash and debris,” said ODNR Division of Forestry Chief Dan Balser. “We want to remind Ohioans that wildfires do happen in this state and can be avoided by using safe burning practices and adhering to existing regulations.”
 
Elevated wildfire risk and burning restrictions occur in the fall due to the abundance of dry grass, weeds, and leaves on the ground. Gusty winds and low humidity can make a seemingly safe fire burn more intensely and escape control. If a fire escapes control, contact the local fire department immediately. An escaped wildfire, even one burning in grass or weeds, is dangerous.
 
Residents can take measures to prevent accidental wildfires, including avoiding burning trash and debris, keeping grass trimmed, not discarding cigarettes and other smoking materials outside, postponing fireworks, and avoiding open cooking fires or campfires. Additionally, farmers should regularly check their equipment for any irregularities that can lead to a brush or crop field fire.
 
If you are going to burn outdoors, the ODNR Division of Forestry offers these safety tips for burning debris outdoors:

• Know current and future weather conditions
• Have tools and water on hand
• Never leave a debris burn unattended
• Be informed about state and local burning regulations
• Consult the local fire department for additional information and safety considerations
• Visit the Ohio Division of Forestry’s website and Firewise.org for more information and tips on protecting your home and community
• Consider safe alternatives for debris disposal, such as composting
• If you choose to burn during unrestricted hours, use a 55-gallon drum with a weighted screen lid to provide an enclosed incinerator
• Remember: “Only you can prevent wildfires!"

Residents should also check the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s open burn regulations prior to any outdoor fire and consult with local fire officials about burning conditions in the area. Food waste, dead animals, and materials containing rubber, grease, asphalt, or petroleum should never be burned. Violators of Ohio’s burning regulations are subject to citations and fines.
 
The Ohio Division of Forestry promotes the wise use and sustainable management of Ohio’s public and private woodlands. To learn more about Ohio’s woodlands, visit forestry.ohiodnr.gov. Follow us on Facebook and on Instagram @odnrforestry.
 
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.