Because wildfire danger is high in the fall due to abundant dry leaves and dead grass, there is a statewide burn ban from Oct. 1 through Nov. 30 that prohibits outdoor open burning between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Paint Creek Joint EMS/Fire District Chief Dave Manning said his department has responded to six brush fires and one combine fire since Nov. 1.

“If people are burning during the permitted hours, they need to do their due diligence in making sure the area around where they are burning is clear of any debris that may allow it to extend and also have water hoses or something readily available to help extinguish the fire and control it,” said Manning.

The burn ban is also in effect from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. from the beginning of March to the end of May.

This ban includes burning of yard waste, trash and debris, even in a proper burn barrel. Warm, windy weather in fall and spring also contribute to elevated fire risk. Always be sure to use a proper burn barrel when burning outdoors during legal hours.

“During spring, wildfire danger is high before plants have turned green, and in fall, fire danger is high due to abundant dry leaves and dead grass. Warm, windy weather in both seasons also contribute to elevated fire risk,” the Ohio Department of Natural Resources said.

The ODNR resources lists these materials never to be burned at any time or any place in Ohio: food waste, dead animals and materials containing rubber, grease, asphalt, or made from petroleum

OTHER RESTRICTIONS:

• Fires must be more than 1,000 feet from neighbor’s inhabited building;

• No burning when air pollution alert, warning or emergency is in effect;

• Fire/smoke cannot obscure visibility on roadway, railways or airfields;

• No waste generated off the premises may be burned;

• No burning within village or city limits or restricted areas.

Reach John Hackley at 937-402-2571.