Five Rivers MetroParks issues ban on open burning due to dry, unfavorable conditions
Five Rivers MetroParks is following guidance from the State of Ohio by following a Ban on Open Burning issued for multiple counties in Ohio, including Montgomery County.
Ban on Open Burning extended into the Miami Valley due to dry conditions
Five Rivers MetroParks is following guidance from the State of Ohio by following a Ban on Open Burning issued for multiple counties in Ohio, including Montgomery County. The Ban on Open Burning extended into the Miami Valley region today, Sept. 20, due to continued extremely dry conditions.
“Due to the extremely dry conditions, Five Rivers MetroParks needs to protect our facilities and natural areas from unintended fires,” said MetroParks chief of operations Chris Pion. “The ban will remain in effect until the State of Ohio Ban on Open Burning is lifted.”
The Ban on Open Burning has the most impact on activities in shelters and campsites:
- Fires are not permitted in MetroParks shelters and firewood will not be provided.
- Fires are not permitted at frontcountry campsites and firewood will not be provided.
Open fires are always prohibited at trailside and backcountry campsites in MetroParks.
Parkgoers and trail users should follow fire-prevention and safety tips, such as:
- Discard cigarettes in designated receptacles
- Do not park/idle on or drive over grass, as heat or sparks from a vehicle can ignite a fire.
While use of cooking equipment, such as built-in charcoal grills and backpacking stoves, are allowed under the ban, users should exercise caution using heat-generating devices and shelter amenities.
“Always being prepared when you visit the parks is important year-round, but especially when we have to be cautious under certain weather conditions,” said MetroParks chief of public safety Mark Hess. “Packing food that doesn’t require a lot of preparation or cooking food before enjoying a meal outdoors is one of the easiest ways to keep your MetroParks safe and healthy right now.”
In case of emergencies, parkgoers should call 911. For ongoing updates pertaining to MetroParks’ Ban on Open Burning, visit metroparks.org/alerts.
