Ohio fire marshal issues a burn ban in 23 counties: What that means for Ohioans

The Ohio State Fire Marshal office issued a burn ban for nearly two dozen counties in southeast and central Ohio , warning extreme drought conditions could fuel wildfires.

Effective immediately, all counties currently experiencing extreme or exceptional drought are under the burn ban order, according to a release.

The burn ban includes Athens, Belmont, Carroll, Fairfield, Fayette, Gallia, Guernsey, Harrison, Highland, Hocking, Jackson, Jefferson, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Ross, Scioto, Tuscarawas, Vinton and Washington counties.

Ohio is currently facing the most severe drought it's ever seen, and it continues to worsen, The Dispatch previously reported . As much as 7% of the state is now experiencing "exceptional" drought conditions, the highest level of drought on the drought monitor's scale.

Ohio Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon said all Ohioans, particularly homeowners, farmers, and woodland owners, should be cautious during this dry period.

“Most of the plant materials in Ohio that can fuel wildfires are currently dry and will stay this way until we have significant rainfall," Reardon said. “Fire safety is a responsibility we all share."

What is a burn ban?

Dry grasses, shrubs, dead leaves, and fallen pine needles can all cause wildfires, the fire marshal said. Even if rain is in the forecast, it will require an extended period of soaking rains to reduce the elevated threat of wildfires throughout the state

The ban impacts activities including lighting a fire of any type, smoking (including cigarettes or similar device), non-electric cooking, using fireworks, discarding lighted or smoldering material (like matches or cigarettes), campfires, bonfires, live fire-training events, flame-based displays or exhibitions (including sky lanterns and cold spark machines) and using spark causing devices for recreational purposes.

The fire marshal said residents can take the following measures to prevent accidental wildfires:

• Avoid burning trash and debris
• Keep grass trimmed, not discarding cigarettes and other smoking materials outside
• Postpone fireworks
• Avoid open cooking fires or campfires.
• Farmers should regularly check their equipment for any irregularities that can lead to a brush or crop field fire.

Anyone who sees any signs of wildfire should call their local fire department immediately to report it. Accurate and timely reporting of wildfire responses by Ohio fire departments is important for a rapid response to the incident.

Cbehrens@dispatch.com

@Colebehr_report

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio fire marshal issues a burn ban in 23 counties: What that means for Ohioans