OHIO — Officials are reminding Ohioans that the state has outdoor burning regulations in the fall.

From 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. during October and November, outdoor burning is banned in unincorporated areas under Ohio law.

What You Need To Know

  • Residents should check all state and local restrictions amid the recent drought conditions

  • Many areas are still under severe drought conditions, especially in southwest Ohio, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor

  • The Ohio Department of Natural Resources said gusty winds and low humidity can make even the smallest of fires burn out of control

 “Wildfires occur every fall in Ohio due to the careless burning of trash and debris,” said ODNR Division of Forestry Assistant Chief Greg Guess. “This can be avoided by using safe burning practices and adhering to existing regulations.”

However, residents should check all state and local restrictions amid the recent drought conditions. Many areas are still under severe drought conditions, especially in southwest Ohio, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor as of the Oct. 3 update.

The state fire marshall recently put a burn ban on several counties because of the drought to avoid extensive fires, especially with dry grass, weeds and leaves on the ground. As of Sept. 27, the following counties are under a burn ban: Adams, Athens, Belmont, Brown, Butler, Carroll, Champaign, Clark, Clermont, Clinton, Coshocton, Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Gallia, Green, Guernsey, Hamilton, Harrison, Highland, Hocking, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Licking, Logan, Madison, Meigs, Miami, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Ross, Tuscarawas, Union, Vinton, Warren and Washington.

“The rain we’ve had is certainly nice and is a breath of fresh air in some regards, but it’s in no way close to replacing the amount of moisture we need to have in our soil in the affected burn ban areas,” said State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. “It’s just not enough.”

Under the ban, residents can't do any of the following:

  • Any open burning of trash, debris, waste, combustibles, leaf piles or similar vegetation
  • Campfires and bonfires
  • Throwing down or discarding lit or smoldering material, such as matches or cigarettes
  • Using or discharging any type of fireworks
  • Live-fire training events
  • Flame effect-based displays or exhibitions, including sky lanterns and cold spark machines
  • Using spark- or heat-producing devices for recreational purposes

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources said gusty winds and low humidity can make even the smallest of fires burn out of control. If a fire does become uncontrollable, residents should call the fire department immediately, ODNR said. 

Additionally, the ODNR Division of Forestry offered 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

ODNR said the following items should never be burned and residents are subject to fines if they do:

  • Food waste
  • Dead animals
  • Materials with rubber, grease, asphalt or petroleum

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