In response to the extremely dry conditions in various areas of the state, Ohio Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon has ordered a regional Ban on Open Burning effective immediately.

The Ban on Open Burning ordered on Sept. 6, 2024, includes the following Ohio counties: Highland, Athens, Belmont, Carroll, Fairfield, Fayette, Gallia, Guernsey, Harrison, Hocking, Jackson, Jefferson, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Ross, Scioto, Tuscarawas, Vinton, and Washington.

Examples of outdoor activities prohibited by this order in the ban area include the following:

*Lighting or maintaining an fire of any type at any location

*Smoking (including cigarettes or similar devices, and as part of a cooking process)

*Non-electric cooking (regardless of fuel source)

*Using or discharging any type of fireworks, throwing down/discarding lighted or smoldering material (including matches or cigarettes)

*Campfires

*Bonfires

*Live fire training events

*Flame effect(s) based displays or exhibitions (including sky lanterns and cold spark machines), and using spark-causing devices for recreational purposes.

Residents can take measures to prevent accidental wildfires including, avoiding burning trash and debris, keeping grass trimmed, not discarding cigarettes and other smoking materials outside, postponing fireworks, and avoiding open cooking fires or campfires. Additionally, farmers should regularly check their equipment for any irregularities that can lead to a brush or crop field fire.

Anyone who sees any signs of wildfire should call their local fire department immediately to report it.

Quetions? Call the Highland County Emergency Management Agency at (937)393-5880.