Several fire departments across Ohio have implemented burn bans in response to severe drought conditions affecting the state. The move comes after the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency officially designated 22 Ohio counties as primary natural disaster areas due to the worsening drought.
As of today, fire departments in Hocking, Jackson, and Ross counties, along with several other counties throughout Ohio, have issued burn bans. These bans prohibit open burning in an effort to mitigate the risk of fire in these drought-stricken areas.
According to the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) 1307:7-7-03, section 307.1.2, local fire code officials retain the authority to enforce additional burn bans on open burning, recreational fires, or the use of outdoor fireplaces if conditions warrant. Such local bans must align with any existing state fire marshal bans without contradicting them.
Hocking County, in particular, is facing heightened fire risks due to current drought conditions. Residents are urged to comply with these burn bans to prevent potential fire hazards and ensure public safety.
