Spring burn ban takes effect in Ohio
(WKBN) — As we begin to enjoy our first taste of spring, the State Fire Marshal is reminding Ohioans of the statewide spring burn ban.
The ban will begin on March 1 and last until May. It will be paused during the summer and resumed in the fall.
The ban was enacted by authorities nearly 70 years ago as a way to prevent outdoor wildfires, at a time when most people were unaware that they posed a fire risk.
“Most people don’t know that Ohio has a spring fire season,” says Greg Guess, fire program manager and ODNR Forestry Division deputy director. “As we enter the spring season, we ask Ohioans to increase awareness of the dangers of outdoor burning and be aware of seasonal regulations so we can keep Ohio wildfire-free in 2024. You can protect it.”
Ohio Revised Code 1503.18 Most burning in unincorporated areas is prohibited between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. in March, April, May, October, and November. The daytime ban is intended to minimize the risk of fire when these conditions are most pronounced.
A statewide burning ban does not supersede stricter local ordinances within city or village limits, where burning may be further restricted or completely prohibited.
Violating the burn ban can result in significant fines and criminal charges, depending on the severity of the violation.
There are exceptions to the ban, including open fires for cooking, heating of tar, and fires for training by fire personnel.Residents please check Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Before starting a fire outdoors, check burning regulations and consult local fire authorities about burning conditions in the area.
https://www.wkbn.com/news/ohio/spring-burn-ban-now-in-effect-in-ohio/ Spring burn ban takes effect in Ohio