Ohio County adopts temporary burn ban after fire chiefs advise caution

Ohio County commissioners voted to put a temporary burn ban in place after hearing recommendations from local fire chiefs.

The move followed a briefing from a county official who said he had spoken with fire chiefs Kevin Armstrong and Ronnie Cutter, who recommended a ban to reduce wildfire risk. The draft ordinance, presented to the board, sets an expiration date of Oct. 31 and limits open burning, debris burning and large campfires. "Do you guys wanna put a burn ban in place for Ohio County?" the official asked during the meeting.

Board members discussed allowable exceptions and enforcement. One speaker summarized the proposed restrictions: campfires must be below specified size limits and must be fully extinguished; open burning of debris, vegetation or timber would be prohibited. The presenter said the draft also prohibits fireworks while the ban is in effect.

A motion to adopt the ban was made and seconded during the meeting; the board indicated support and directed staff to prepare the ordinance paperwork and signatures. "I put an expiration date of October 31 on there," the presenter said when introducing the draft.

What happens next: staff will finalize the ordinance paperwork, obtain the required signatures and provide the ordinance number and documentation requested by the board. The ban will remain in effect until either rescinded by the board or until the expiration date in the ordinance.