As wet as the weather has been over the past several days, it is tempting to think drought warnings and burn bans are a thing of the past in Ohio. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, by Oct. 1 only 14% of the state had been made drought-free by the recent rain. In Southeast Ohio, conditions are still labeled as “extreme drought” or “exceptional drought.”

Meanwhile, the change in season adds another danger. Leaves now litter the ground as the air gets less humid, too.

Even in an ordinary year, most outdoor burning would be prohibited in unincorporated areas from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. during October and November in the Buckeye State. But for those in one of the 27 counties still under the Ban on Open Burning imposed by Ohio State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon, a total ban remains in place. (Those 27 are Adams, Athens, Belmont, Brown, Butler, Carroll, Champaign, Clark, Clermont, Clinton, Coshocton, Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Gallia, Green, Guernsey, Hamilton, Harrison, Highland, Hocking, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Licking, Logan, Madison, Meigs, Miami, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Ross, Tuscarawas, Union, Vinton, Warren, and Washington counties.)

Should you choose to have a fire in an area and during a time that it is permitted, there are safety measures that must be followed. Have tools and water on hand, and never leave a fire burn unattended. Visit the Division of Forestry website or firewise.org to learn more.

“Wildfires occur every fall in Ohio due to the careless burning of trash and debris,” said ODNR Division of Forestry Assistant Chief Greg Guess. “This can be avoided by using safe burning practices and adhering to existing regulations.”

A nice toasty bonfire is tempting as the weather turns. But no one wants to be responsible for starting a wildfire that puts others in danger. No one wants to put our firefighters at risk, either. Be smart and safe about it — and follow the rules this fall.