Is there a burn ban in Ohio right now? How long it lasts, exceptions

It’s officially spring, and while there’s still a chance of snow and frost, the return of spring-like weather is coming. outdoor fire ban in Ohio.

Ohio Revised Code It prohibits open burning in certain months of the year when the risk of forest fire is highest, According to the State Fire Marshal. On top of that, your community or local fire department may have their own regulations regarding outdoor fires, which may restrict them even further.

But there are exceptions to Ohio’s burn ban, so all hope for spring campfires isn’t lost.

So when will Ohio’s open burning ban go into effect? Is there a burn ban in Kentucky too? So what exceptions apply? Here’s what you need to know.

When is the burn ban in Ohio?

Ohio law prohibits most open burning from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in unincorporated areas in March, April and May, as well as in October and November.

The ban only applies to parts of the state other than cities, towns and villages. Your local fire department You can clarify the laws and rules where you live.

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When is the burn ban in Kentucky?

Spring burn restrictions in Kentucky begin and end earlier than those in Ohio; It runs from February 15 to April 30. Kentucky Department of Forestry. It is illegal to burn anything within 50 meters of woodland or bush between 6am and 6pm. The ban also applies from October 1 to December 15 each year.

It is illegal to burn garbage or other materials other than natural vegetative material such as brush and wood debris.

Kentucky law 149.400 Allows exceptions if plant beds are burned or if there is snow on the ground during fire-hazardous seasons.

Why is there a burn ban in Ohio?

According to the State Fire Marshal, a burn ban is in effect due to wildfire danger.

The danger of wildfire is high in the spring before the plants turn green. Fire danger is high in autumn due to the abundance of dry leaves and dead grass. In both seasons, hot and windy weather contributes to increased fire risk.

According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, individuals can be held liable for damages that occur as a result of a fire they start.

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What exceptions apply to Ohio’s burn ban?

The Ohio Revised Code states that “fires in a plowed field, garden, or public highway at least two hundred feet from any woodland, brush area, or area containing hay or other combustible material” are exceptions to the burn ban.

Local governments or fire departments may have established local burning rules. According to ODNR, it is a good practice to contact these local agencies before conducting open burns.

Ohio EPA regulates open burning

According to the fire chief, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency regulates open burning in the state and may require notification for many types of open burns.

According to the Ohio EPA, the following materials may never be burned in the state:

• Materials containing rubber, grease, asphalt or made from petroleum

Other restrictions include:

• Fires must be located more than 1,000 feet away from the neighbor’s home or building.

• No burning occurs when air pollution alert, alert or emergency is active.

• Fire and smoke cannot obstruct visibility on roads, railways or airports.

• No waste generated outside the facility can be burned.

• Burning is not allowed in villages, city limits or restricted areas.

Are there wildfires in Ohio and Kentucky?

As of March 25, two wildfires have been reported in Kentucky, one near Right Fork Mace’s Creek in the southeastern part of the state and the other north of Monticello. Louisville Courier Journal data.

No wildfires have been reported in Ohio as of March 25. Columbus Shipping data.

This article first appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Is there a burn ban in Ohio right now? See dates, details and exclusions