Ohio officials urge caution during fall wildfire season

As October approaches, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources is reminding Ohioans of outdoor burning regulations. Starting Oct.

Evacuations and firefighting response

1 and through the end of November, the state prohibits most open burning in unincorporated areas between 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

This is mainly because as the season changes, conditions become dry, leaving flammable material at risk of starting a wildfire.

Gusty winds and low humidity increase wildfire risk, as they could make a fire burn out of control.

“It doesn’t take much for a debris fire to escape and become a wildfire, especially when conditions are dry,” said ODNR Division of Forestry Chief Dan Balser.

“Following Ohio’s burning regulations and taking a few basic safety precautions can help protect your property, your neighbors and Ohio’s forests.”

If a fire does get out of control, residents should contact the local fire department immediately.

To prevent wildfires, Ohioans can be proactive in the following ways: Farmers should regularly check equipment for irregularities that could lead to a crop fire