Campfires, bonfires, fireworks + more banned in Columbus & other counties due to severe drought

In response to the months-long drought and incredibly dry conditions Columbus and various parts of the state have been experiencing, a Ban on Open Burning has officially been ordered by the State Fire Marshal, Kevin Reardon.

The ban impacts any county in Ohio identified by the NOAA or USDA as being in the “Extreme Drought” of “Exceptional Drought” categories. You check out the Interactive U.S. Drought Monitor Map here.

As of last week, campfires, bonfires, burning of debris, discarding cigarettes, displaying heated sky lanterns, and using or discharging any type of fireworks are prohibited in the following counties: Athens, Belmont, Carroll, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Gallia, Guernsey, Harrison, Highland, Hocking, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Licking, Madison, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Ross, Tuscarawas, Vinton and Washington.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

According to the National Park Service, nearly 85% of wildfires are caused by humans, with the main causes being campfires and bonfires, burning of debris, and even negligently discarded cigarettes.

“We want everyone to think before you do something involving any kind of open flame,” said State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. “We are in severe drought conditions and ground conditions are very susceptible to ignition from a very simple source. We want people to be able to protect themselves, protect their property, and protect their communities.”

Acceptable open-flame related activities include indoor cooking, outdoor cooking with electric stoves/cooking elements or propane/liquid fueled cooking, and the use of non-flame based heating or electrical devices.

For more information, please read the Ohio government’s official statement here.

Want to read more? Check out our print publications, (614) Magazine and Stock & Barrel. Learn where you can find free copies of our newest issues here!

BROUGHT TO YOU BY