Wildfires Increasing in Ohio

Wildfires are becoming a problem here in Ohio.

Zanesville Fire Chief Dave Lacy says there has been an abnormally high amount of wildfires this fall which he credits to the falling leaves and high winds. He says it’s very important for people to be cautious when using fire in any capacity outdoors.

"Don’t get the leaves or the dry underbrush on fire because the wind conditions we have, you can take something in a very short period of time and have a 200 acre fire going," said the fire chief.

He also asks for people to avoid putting piles of leaves by the side of the road, but to rather keep them in your yard by placing them in a bag or under a tarp.

"We’ve had some situations when it’s really dry like this actually people come in to park a car and the leaves will get up against the exhaust system and will literally set the car on fire," said Lacy.

He says containing leaves is also important because when it rains the leaves can clog the sewer system which could potentially cause flooding.

Leaf pick up in Zanesville will begin November 1st.