Open burn ban in southeast Ohio, could the Miami Valley see the same?

DAYTON, Ohio ( WDTN ) — A common sight in the Miami Valley, is dry grass, and it could be the next fuel for a fire.

Twenty-four counties in Ohio east of Dayton are currently under a burn ban as a result of extreme drought in the state.

This burn ban differs from the seasonal ban, to include all types of open flame, even for cooking devices. This is due to the increased fuel from dry grasses and shrubs, falling leaves, and pine needles as a result of the drought, and the areas under the ban are exceptionally dry.

“They have the lowest moisture content of any other counties around them. That’s what we’re focused on because that means the soil, the products on the soil, the grass fields, they are very conducive to a fast-spreading fire,” said Kevin Reardon, Ohio state fire marshal.

\With little rain expected this week, and drought conditions potentially persisting through the rest of the month, the reality in southeastern Ohio, could soon become ours.

“We’re very concerned that we might have to extend those bans based on conditions if they get worse, and we know that’s a very distinct possibility,” said Reardon.

With a majority of the state being served by volunteer firefighters and the very fast movement of wildfires, these fires can get out of control fast.

“They’ve got to get the run, get their people to get there and then respond. So a very small field fire that could be contained very easily can very quickly grow to an uncontrollable fire covering tens, if not hundreds of acres,” said Reardon.

While we are not under a ban, that doesn’t mean a fire cannot get out of control in the Miami Valley very quickly, as we have very dry soil.

“We want people to stop and think before they light that fire. What can happen and can they accept the outcome? Meaning, do they have a plan for what to do if something gets out of control?” said Reardon.

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