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Ohio Fire Marshal Lifts Open Burning Ban After Dry Conditions Improve

Mars October 12, 2024

The state’s burning ban has been lifted.

Ohio State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon issued an order Friday to lift the open burning ban that was in effect in 24 counties across the state, including Carroll and

Ohio State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon issued an order Friday to lift the open fire ban that was in effect in 24 counties across the state, including Guernsey, Muskingum and Tuscarawas.

The ban was a response to drought conditions across the state, but recent fall temperatures and precipitation have improved conditions.

“Large areas of the state that received measurable amounts of rain saw grass return to green, and heavier forest fuels like large sticks and logs had the opportunity to absorb moisture, reducing significantly increases the risk of uncomfortable wildfires,” the state said in a statement. press release.

Tools such as the US Drought Monitor and the Keech Byram Drought Index helped determine when the ban was no longer necessary.

“The factors we look at are combustibility, or how easy it is to ignite fuels that are on the ground,” Reardon said in a prepared statement. “When these fuels are drier, they obviously ignite more quickly. When there is more moisture, it significantly changes their flammability. There are a lot of things to consider, but it simply comes down to the ease with which it is possible to light a fire on the ground.

The ban was in effect for: Athens, Belmont, Carroll, Fairfield, Fayette, Gallia, Guernsey, Harrison, Highland, Hocking, Jackson, Jefferson, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Ross, Scioto, Tuscarawas. , Vinton and Washington.

Although the ban has been lifted, there are still restrictions on when open burning can be carried out in the state.

“Ohio law states that most outdoor fires are prohibited in unincorporated areas between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. in October and November,” said Aaron Kloss, division chief of prevention. of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, in a prepared statement. “Additionally, make sure you are aware of any other open burning restrictions that may be in place.”

The ban lifted by the state does not coincide with any local burning bans that may be in place, as these will remain active until the local jurisdiction lifts them.