Despite the lifting of the ban, annual statewide restrictions on open burning remain in effect

MIAMI VALLEY. Ohio (WKEF) – The Ohio State Fire Marshal has lifted the burn ban after drought conditions forced a ban earlier than normal. Firefighter Kevin Reardon said many factors went into the decision, but one was more important than others.

“A few weeks ago, the biggest factor we were looking at across the country was widespread drought conditions where the ground was very dry,” Reardon shared. “There’s a lot that goes into it, but in the end it all comes down to how easy it is to start a fire on the ground.”

Dry conditions in early September led to Reardon issuing the ban and eventually expanding it later that month. Harrison Township banned open burning prior to state expansion. Reardon said local bans must continue to be followed, which is why Dayton 24/7 Now’s Jenilee Borek reached out to the township on Friday.

“Every Thursday the National Weather Association releases the drought monitor map,” said Harrison Township Fire Chief Kevin Monroe. “We are completely out of the drought situation and are therefore 100 percent satisfied with the release of this fire ban.”

Every October, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources bans open burning from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and that still applies.