The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) urges Ohioans to be aware of the state’s outdoor burning regulations and take necessary precautions if they are planning to burn debris this fall.
Ohio law states outdoor debris burning is prohibited from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. during October and November. Burning is limited in the fall due to the abundance of dry fuel on the ground in the form of grasses, weeds, fallen leaves, crops and crop debris. Winds can make a seemingly safe fire burn more intensely and escape control.
“With fall’s windy and dry weather, trash and debris fires can quickly become unmanageable,” said Robert Boyles, Ohio’s state forester. “Burning leaves and tree debris under these conditions also increases the risk for wildfires. All it takes is a little wind to cause a debris fire to escape control and spread.”
If a fire becomes unmanageable, immediately contact the local fire department. An escaped wildfire, even one burning in grass or weeds, is dangerous. Violators of Ohio’s burning regulations are subject to citations and fines. Residents should also check Ohio Environmental Protection Agency regulations and consult with local fire officials about burning conditions.
The ODNR Division of Forestry offers these safety tips for burning debris outdoors:
- Consider using a 55-gallon drum with a weighted screen lid to provide an enclosed incinerator.
- Know current and future weather conditions, have fire management tools 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 forestry.ohiodnr.gov and firewise.org for more information and tips on protecting a home and community.
- Remember: “Only you can prevent wildfires!”
The ODNR Division of Forestry works to promote the wise use and sustainable management of Ohio’s public and private woodlands. To learn more about Ohio’s woodlands, visit forestry.ohiodnr.gov. To learn more about outdoor burning regulations, go to forestry.ohiodnr.gov/burninglaws.
