The Darke County Association of Fire Chiefs, Inc. and our member departments as of
9/14/2012 are repealing (lifting) the burn advisory for Darke County issued on June 27,
2012. While conditions are not as dry as they were, diligence and extreme caution is
warranted with any type fire, particularly near dry corn or soybean grain fields or
grassland fields as an unattended or not properly extinguished open burn or camp fîre
could lead to disastrous consequences.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ban on open burning is effective during the
months of October and November & March, April, and May (ORC 1503.18). The ban
pertains to waste disposal (dry limbs and brush only) open burning in unincorporated
areas and prohibits burning from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. unless the fire is in a completely
plowed field (or similar area) at least 200 feet from any woodland, brush land or
containing dry grass or crops.
The Ohio Fire Code states that attendance is required at open burning, bonfires,
recreationaî fires and use of portable outdoor fireplaces until the fire is extinguished. A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose or water truck, shall be avaiiabîe for immediate utilization.
We are asking for cooperation and understanding from the residents of Darke County
with respect to open burning or recreational fires during this 2012 fall season. Please
remember that the land or structure you own or inhabit or that of your neighbors could be lost if a fire were to get out of control and you could possibly be held civilly liable for your actions.
