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Ohio’s Extreme Drought Brings Burn Ban To Franklin County– Here’s What You Can and Can’t Do

Ohio is facing some seriously dry conditions, and it’s not just a minor inconvenience. In response to these extreme droughts, Ohio Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon has issued an Open Burning Ban across multiple counties, including Franklin County. This ban is no joke, and it’s here to help prevent wildfires that could easily get out of hand with how dry the state has become.

The counties affected include Athens, Belmont, Carroll, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Gallia, Guernsey, Harrison, Highland, Hocking, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Licking, Madison, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Ross, Tuscarawas, Vinton and Washington. More counties could be added if the drought conditions spread, so it’s a good idea for all Ohioans to stay informed.

What’s Banned?

The ban covers just about anything that could start a fire outdoors. Here’s a quick breakdown of the activities that are currently prohibited:

  • Campfires and bonfires
  • Fireworks
  • Outdoor smoking (including cigarettes)
  • Non-electric cooking, regardless of the fuel source
  • Discarding any lit materials like matches or cigarettes
  • Using spark-causing devices for recreational purposes

With the drought in full effect, even a tiny spark can lead to a massive wildfire. That’s why state officials are urging everyone to take this ban seriously.

Fire Safety for Homeowners

If you own a home, especially in any of the impacted counties, now is the time to make sure your property is as fire-safe as possible. Dry plant materials, like grasses, shrubs, and fallen leaves, are perfect wildfire fuel. Here are some tips to keep your home protected:

  • Keep vegetation trimmed: Make sure your lawn, bushes, and trees are trimmed back and not overgrown. Dry, overgrown vegetation can act as kindling for fires.
  • Clear dead leaves and debris: Regularly clear away any dry leaves, dead plants, and other debris from your yard, roof, and gutters.
  • Create a safety zone around your home: Maintain at least a 30-foot safety zone free of dead plants and flammable items around your home.
  • Be cautious with equipment: If you’re mowing your lawn or using other yard tools, make sure they’re in good condition and not throwing off sparks.
  • Properly dispose of smoking materials: Don’t toss cigarette butts or matches on the ground. Use a metal container with sand or water to dispose of them safely.

Why This Ban Matters

Ohio’s fire season is usually during the spring and fall, but these current drought conditions are anything but typical. Wildfires could spread quickly in such dry weather, especially when combined with wind and dead plant material that’s just waiting to catch fire.

“We want everyone to think before you do something involving any kind of open flame,” said State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. “We are in severe drought conditions and ground conditions are very susceptible to ignition from a very simple source. We want people to be able to protect themselves, protect their property, and protect their communities.”

The Bigger Picture

ohio drought map 2024
While this ban addresses the immediate danger, Ohio’s current drought situation is part of a larger trend. Historically, the state has experienced periods of drought, but climate patterns are making extreme weather more frequent. In some areas of the U.S., extreme drought has become the norm rather than the exception. This increases the risk of wildfires and makes it harder for farmers and homeowners alike to manage their land safely.

For now, Ohioans can take proactive steps to avoid fire risks by staying informed and following the guidelines set by the fire marshal. If you see any signs of a wildfire, call your local fire department immediately. The quicker a fire is reported, the better the chances are of containing it before it spreads.

You can learn more about he Fire Marshall’s order in full right here.

Featured image by Marko Horvat on Unsplash