Smokey Bear turned 66 this year

CHILLICOTHE ­­— Beautiful hardwood leaves are currently near peak color, yet soon they will be on the ground as potential fuel, carriers of wildfires that occur each autumn in Ohio. People planning to burn debris outdoors this fall are urged to take extra precautions and follow the state’s outdoor burning regulations, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry.

Ohio law states that outdoor debris burning is prohibited from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the months of October and November. Burning is limited during the fall because of the abundance of dry leaves, grass, and weedy vegetative fuel on the ground.

“With the warm, dry weather of fall, conditions are favorable for trash and debris fires to escape,” said David Lytle, state forester and chief of the ODNR Division of Forestry. “Burning leaves and tree debris under these conditions also increases the risk for wildfires. All it takes is a little wind to cause a debris fire to escape control and spread.”

If a fire does escape control, immediately contact the local fire department. An escaped wildfire, even one burning in grass or weeds, is dangerous. Violators of Ohio’s burning regulations are subject to citations and fines. Residents should also check Ohio Environmental Protection Agency regulations and consult with local fire officials about burning conditions.

The Division of Forestry offers the following safety tips for burning debris outdoors:

• Consider using a 55-gallon drum with a weighted screen lid to provide an enclosed trash incinerator.

• Know current and future weather conditions, and have suppression tools on hand.

• Be informed of state and local burning regulations.

• Consult the local fire department for additional information and safety considerations.

Smokey Bear has been spreading the wildfire prevention message for 66 years.  Smokey’s message “Remember, only YOU can prevent wildfires!” is even more relevant today due to the increasing trend of building homes in rural areas.  Check Smokey’s web pages by visiting www.ohiodnr.com/forestry.  Smokey Bear license plate purchasing information is included on his web pages.

Proceeds of the sale of these special Ohio plates are used for wildfire prevention and education.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.gov.