OHIO — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal is helping to educate Ohioans on the state’s outdoor burning regulations and precautions they should take.
Enacted approximately 70 years ago, the law was drafted prohibiting burning in incorporated areas from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. from March through April in order to safeguard property, the environment and lives. The ban, according to ODNR, is a necessary measure to prevent outdoor fires from being uncontrollable.
The specific timeframe is chosen because of conditions making these periods susceptible to wildfires, such as dry vegetation and windy conditions. The ban does not supercede more stringent local ordinances where open burning may be further restricted or prohibited entirely.
“Safety is a responsibility we all share,” said State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. “That’s why it is critical that Ohioans understand and appreciate the significant risks associated with fires, especially during more vulnerable times of the year, and that they adhere to these important restrictions. Together, we can protect our communities and environment.”
Some materials are always banned from being burned including food waste, dead animals and materials containing rubber, grease, asphalt or petroleum.
“Most people don’t know that Ohio has a spring fire season,” said Greg Guess, fire program administrator and assistant chief for the ODNR Division of Forestry. “As we enter the spring season, we ask that Ohioans increase their awareness of the risks of outdoor burning and make themselves aware of seasonal regulations. This way, we can help to keep Ohio safe from wildland fires in 2024.”
ODNR offered these safety tips for burning outdoors:
- Learn the local and state burning regulations
- Check the weather currently and for the future
- Have tools and water on hand
- Never leave a debris burn unattended
- Consider other alternatives to debris burning, such as composting
- For additional safety considerations, contact the local fire department
- Visit the Ohio Division of Forestry’s website and Firewise.org for more information and tips
Madison MacArthur
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