JACKSON COUNTY, Ohio — In response to the ongoing severe drought, officials in Jackson and Hocking Counties have voted to institute a temporary ban on open burning until further notice. The decision, made on Thursday, aims to mitigate the heightened fire risk in the drought-stricken region.
Officials in other counties have also taken to social media to warn residents about the increased fire danger. Vinton County Sheriff Ryan Cain issued a public service announcement earlier this week, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. “We are currently under a serious drought, and over the long weekend, several of our departments were out fighting brush and woodland fires in our county,” Cain said. He urged residents to refrain from burning until the area receives relief from the extremely dry conditions.
The severe drought has led to 22 Ohio counties being declared federal disaster zones, freeing up federal funds to assist struggling farmers. Meteorologists have warned that the drought could extend into November, raising concerns about this year’s harvest in Ohio.
The state outdoor burn ban typically applies during the months of March, April, May, October, and November, prohibiting outdoor burning from 6 AM to 6 PM. However, the extreme drought has necessitated additional measures to prevent fires from getting out of hand.
As the drought continues, officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and avoid any activities that could spark fires. The temporary ban on open burning is a crucial step in protecting the community and its resources during this challenging time.
