Hancock County bans outdoor burning after numerous wildfires

While on a routine patrol last month, Chester Police noticed a large plume of smoke coming from an undisclosed address near Veterans Boulevard (Route 8) and responded to check it out. After arriving at the undisclosed address – fearing it might be a structure or brush fire – the officer encountered the property owner, who was burning a large amount of brush. At that point the officer called back for dispatch that it was a controlled burn; However, with this latest announcement, this would no longer be allowed at the provincial level until further notice due to the drought. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)

NEW CUMBERLAND – In response to the numerous wildfires in Columbiana and Hancock counties, as well as in neighboring communities, Hancock County commissioners issued a news release Saturday banning all outdoor fires in their jurisdiction.

Effective immediately, all fire burning activities, including open fire pits, are strictly prohibited until further notice. The statement reads: “This action is essential to protect our community and protect our firefighters who have already been battling wildfires in the Tri-State area.”

Individuals who violate the order, which also bans the burning of brush, vegetation and trash, will not only have their fires extinguished but will also be subject to fines and costs associated with the response.

Commission Chairman Jeff Davis urged all residents to remain vigilant and report any information about open fires to authorities to protect area residents.

On Saturday, the Wellsville Volunteer Fire Department had to cancel its planned chili cookoff as staff and another nine departments had to respond to a brush fire.

From October 1 to December 31, West Virginia already had an open burning ban between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Burn permits were required and fires were attended until they were completely extinguished. Officials previously allowed small cooking fires for food and the burning of leaves, brush and yard waste.

If the fire does escape in West Virginia, it will be fined if it evades the mandatory 10-foot safety strip, causing damage to someone else’s land, with a fine of at least $100 plus a civil penalty of $200. Fines can cost up to $1,000.

In Ohio, for example, there is a statewide burn ban that prohibits outdoor fires from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the months of October and November. This even applies to burning yard waste, trash and debris in a burn barrel.

The penalty for open burning in Ohio depends on the severity of the offense, starting at a fine of up to $500 and 60 days in jail if the offender is convicted of a third-degree misdemeanor for violating wildlife prevention laws or a fine faces up to $25,000 and four years in prison for reckless open burning of solid waste.

To report violations in Ohio, call the Division of Forestry at 877-247-8733. In West Virginia, call 304-558-2788, option 9.