A storm or two has made little difference for local counties suffering under an extended “extreme drought.” The consequences have been so extensive that Ohio Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon has issued a regional ban on open burning.

In Athens, Belmont, Carroll, Fairfield, Fayette, Gallia, Guernsey, Harrison, Highland, Hocking, Jackson, Jefferson, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Ross, Scioto, Tuscarawas, Vinton, and Washington counties, residents have a responsibility to follow the rules set by the ban.

ANYTHING that could spark a fire is prohibited, such as: lighting or maintaining a fire of any type at any location, smoking (including cigarettes or similar devices, and as part of a cooking process), non-electric cooking (regardless of fuel source), using or discharging any type of fireworks, throwing down/discarding lighted or smoldering material (including matches or cigarettes), campfires, bonfires, live fire training events, flame effect-based displays or exhibitions (including sky lanterns and cold spark machines), and using spark causing devices for recreational purposes.

“It’s critical that Ohioans understand and appreciate the significant risks associated with fires, especially during the current drought conditions. Together we can protect our communities and environment,” he said.

This is not something to take lightly, folks. As Reardon pointed out in issuing the ban, even something as everyday as a vehicle exhaust pipe could start a fire. And given how dry it is here, it wouldn’t take much for such a fire to spread to the point of being out of control. Follow the rules; don’t tempt fate.