DARKE COUNTY – The Darke County Association of Fire Chiefs, its member departments with the support of the Darke County Sheriff’s Office and The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, is issuing an “Open Burning Advisory” for all of Darke County until further notice.

The unusually dry conditions warrant such an advisory with respect to all types of outdoor open burning and fires. Per Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) regulations, with limited exceptions, open burning is not allowed during 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the following months, March, April, May, October and November.

This includes burning yard waste, wood, brush, weeds, grass and other residential/agricultural debris.

We are asking homeowners, farmers and the public to be extremely cautious during this dry period. Residents are urged to take extra precautions to prevent accidental fires to include:

1. Avoid burning of trash and debris

2. Do not discard cigarettes or other smoking materials outdoors

3. Do not have open cooking, campfires or recreational fires.

4. Charcoal from grills should not be removed until the charcoal has been thoroughly extinguished.