COLUMBUS, Ohio (AVC News) — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry is urging Ohioans to use caution when burning outdoors as Ohio enters its fall wildfire season.
Under Ohio law, outdoor burning is prohibited in unincorporated areas from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. during October and November.
ODNR officials said fall burning restrictions are in place because dry grass, weeds and leaves can allow fires to spread quickly. Gusty winds and low humidity can also cause fires to burn more intensely and escape control.
“It doesn’t take much for a debris fire to escape and become a wildfire, especially when conditions are dry,” said Dan Balser, chief of the ODNR Division of Forestry. “Following Ohio’s burning regulations and taking a few basic safety precautions can help protect your property, your neighbors, and Ohio’s forests.”
ODNR recommends residents avoid burning trash and debris when possible, keep grass trimmed, properly dispose of cigarettes and other smoking materials, postpone fireworks and use caution with outdoor cooking fires and campfires.
Farmers are also encouraged to regularly inspect equipment for problems that could start a brush or crop-field fire.
For those who burn during permitted hours, ODNR recommends checking current and future weather conditions, having water and firefighting tools readily available, and never leaving a fire unattended.
Residents should also be aware of state and local regulations and contact their local fire department for information about current burning conditions.
ODNR recommends using safe alternatives to burning, such as composting, when possible. Those who choose to burn during unrestricted hours can use a 55-gallon drum with a weighted screen lid as an enclosed incinerator.
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency also regulates open burning, and residents are encouraged to review those requirements before starting an outdoor fire.
Food waste, dead animals and materials containing rubber, grease, asphalt or petroleum should never be burned. Violations of Ohio’s burning regulations can result in citations and fines.
If a fire escapes control, residents should immediately contact their local fire department.
More information about Ohio’s outdoor burning regulations and wildfire prevention is available through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.
Last Updated on September 22, 2026 by AVC News
