OHIO — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources urges residents to educate themselves on the state's outdoor burning regulations and to take precautions ahead of burning debris.

In Ohio, most outdoor debris burning is prohibited in unincorporated areas from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. during October and November.

“A major cause of escaped wildfires in Ohio during the fall is the careless burning of trash and debris,” Fire Program Administrator and Assistant Chief for the ODNR Division of Forestry Greg Guess said in a news release. “Unnecessary risk to people and property can be minimized by following safe burning practices and being aware of the burning regulations.”

Burning in general is limited in the fall due to the abundance of dry grass, leaves and weeds on the ground and weather changes can turn a seemingly safe fire out of control. If a fire does escape control, contact the local fire department immediately. 

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, and 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!”

ODNR said residents should check on the state's Environmental Protection Agency’s open burn regulations before any outdoor fires. 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.