Annual Fall Burn Ban

SOUTH ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Each fall, the State of Ohio implements outdoor burning restrictions to mitigate the chances for widespread brush and forest fires.  

South Zanesville Fire Department Chief Russell Taylor talked about the state’s proclamation and explained how people can best work with them.

“Every year, there’s a burn ban,” Taylor said. “It starts October the 1st to the end of November. Conditions are dry. Right now, we’re in a pretty good drought. There’s a little bit of wind about everyday. And with this burn ban from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. you should not be burning anything. And if the wind’s blowing, as much drought as there is now, you shouldn’t be burning anything at all. Even at night from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. you’re allowed to burn but you need to watch conditions. It’s really dry.”

A major component of fall living is raking and burning fallen leaves. And some leaves are already falling because of the late-summer drought.

“Just a little bit of wind, not paying attention,” Taylor said. “These fires, as dry as it is right now, it will take off and it will shock even us how fast this thing will spread. Fires can get out of control, lead to structure fires and a lot of property damage and we’re just trying to control that as much as we can.”

The Village of South Zanesville prohibits burning within 25 feet of a structure and Taylor recommends calling your local fire department before any burning to learn if the state has changed its burning regulations.