“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”

— John C. Maxwell,

American clergyman

In other words, one of the best ways to lead is by example. That is exactly what Barnesville Fire Chief Tim Hall did last week when he made a decision that some people may not have liked.

At a Barnesville Village Council meeting on Monday, Hall announced that the fire department would opt to cancel its annual chicken barbecue — a tradition that many people enjoy during the ever-popular Pumpkin Festival.

Why would he and his fellow firefighters do such a thing?

Because it was the right thing to do.

Hall said the choice was fairly simple. Canceling the event was the best way to remain in compliance with a ban on open burning issued by Ohio State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. That order came is response to prolonged drought conditions that left Belmont County and its neighboring counties extremely dry, with material such as dead grass and weeds primed and ready to serve as tinder should a stray spark happen to ignite them.

Despite the fact that indoor and outdoor cooking with electric stoves/cooking elements or propane/liquid fueled appliances are listed as acceptable activities under the ban, Hall and the department opted to be as responsible as possible and let the tradition lapse for a year.

The ban was initially issued on Sept. 6 and expanded to include additional counties on Sept. 20. It was expanded again on Friday, despite widespread rain that fell across much of the Buckeye State as remnants of Hurricane Helene passed to our west. The rain was needed, officials acknowledged, but it just wasn’t enough to alleviate the extreme drought.

So, for the time being, I urge everyone in Eastern Ohio to follow Hall’s example. Make sure to comply with the ban and avoid taking any chances with an open flame.

Among the activities prohibited by the order in the ban area are:

∫ Open burning of trash, debris, waste, combustibles, leaf piles or vegetation

∫ Campfires and bonfires

∫ Throwing down or discarding lit or smoldering material, such as matches or cigarettes

∫ Using or discharging any type of fireworks

∫ Live-fire training events

Even if the drought subsides and the ban is lifted, on Tuesday the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry’s annual fall burn ban will go into effect for all of Ohio. It prohibits outdoor open burning statewide in unincorporated areas during October and November between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

So, if you have a excess debris to dispose of, find another method. Don’t let your hankering for a campfire get the best of you, either, as the weather begins to cool. Play it safe and refrain from any activity that could lead to a blaze that could get out of control. Whatever your reason for lighting such a flame, it can’t outweigh the potential danger right now.

∫ ∫ ∫

Another local agency set a different kind of good example for local residents on Wednesday, when the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Morristown garage set to work inspecting and preparing its fleet of snow removal vehicles for winter.

No, most people living in our area don’t have plow blades to maintain or salt and brine spreaders to test. But most of us do have vehicles that we drive up and down all types of local roadways in all seasons. We do not live in a region where we can walk to and from everything or easily catch a bus or other form of public transportation to work, school or the store.

That is why it is important for us to also make sure that we and our vehicles are ready for the ice and snow that is inevitably headed our way. Those conditions may seem far off now when temperatures are in the high 70s and lower 80s, but it is not at all uncommon for snowflakes to fly on or before Halloween — and that holiday is just over a month away.

What can you do to get ready?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, you should check your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers and interior lights to ensure they are working properly so your vehicle can easily be seen in adverse weather conditions.

Make sure to top off your windshield wiper fluid that contains de-icer, and keep a fresh supply on hand to refill your reservoir when needed. Check to be sure defrosters and windshield wipers work and replace any worn blades.

Check other fluids such as engine oil and coolant to keep your vehicle running smoothly no matter what the weather.

If you don’t have much knowledge about cars and trucks a visit to a mechanic for a tune-up and inspection may be in order.

You should also stock up on emergency equipment and supplies. Carry a snow shovel, broom or brush, and an ice scraper. Abrasive material such as sand can create traction if your vehicle gets stuck in the snow. Jumper cables, a flashlight and warning devices are also key supplies.