VIDEO: While last week’s rain was a welcome sight, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the State Fire Marshal are still urging Ohioans to use caution as wildfire season is almost here.
The Division of Forestry’s Aaron Kloss says the drought and lack of rain again this week will elevate the fire risk.
“The main threats of wildfires here in Ohio in the fall are low relative humidity and higher temperatures, like we have right now, and the lack of precipitation. Combine that with the leaves coming down and vegetation going dormant and dry, and dying off with the season. That creates a situation where we have an elevated risk of wildfires here in Ohio.”
One of the main causes of wildfires in Ohio is careless burning of yard waste or trash, which is why state law bans open burning during the fall in unincorporated areas from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Kloss says you can prevent accidental fires by being informed and proactive. The outdoor burning regulations go into effect on October 1st and run through November.
