The warm temperatures on Tuesday drew many Richland County residents outdoors and some chose to burn trash or brush with unfortunate results. Firefighters responded to a number of fires in the county.
The fires, which are unlawful during the day, are at least partially attributed to wind gusts of up to 40 mph in the afternoon. Firefighters in Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Washington, and Worthington townships responded to the fires.
“Any time it’s windy,” said Worthington Fire Chief Randy Johnson, “please don’t burn—anything. Even in the spring when the ground is wet, the top of the grass is dry and it burns.”
At approximately 2 p.m., two fires broke out on two parcels of land near R & L Banquet Center at 781 Fifth Avenue, Mansfield. Firefighters with the Madison Township Fire Department responded to the scene and were able to extinguish the flames soon after arrival, stated Madison Fire Chief David Kissel.
According to Chief Kissel, the cause of the fires was linked to someone’s attempt at burning trash in the grassy areas, which is illegal within Richland County, he said. There were charred remains of furniture, tires, shelves, among other items.
The plots of land were each roughly one acre in size and about 200 feet apart from each other. The wind posed a threat in causing the fires to spread, but, fortunately, there were no injuries, Kissel said.
Then Worthington and Jefferson department firefighters responded to a grass fire at approximately 4:10 p.m. on Snyder Rd., Butler. That fire proved challenging because it was located on a steep wooded hill which couldn’t accommodate the fire trucks.
According to Johnson, who has served as chief for Worthington since 1999, firefighters hiked the hill carrying water backpacks that hold approximately 15 gallons of water and are equipped with nozzles. The department also employed their ARGO, an amphibious ATV and amphibious off-road vehicle. The ARGO carries 60 gallons of water.
The fire covered a wooded 4.5 acre area, four acres belonging to the resident and another one-half acre belonging to a neighbor. According to Johnson, the resident said he had burned trash on Saturday and the fire purportedly reignited.
“Our whole township is in the Mohican Forest District,” said Johnson, “I have to fill out a special report. The forest district investigates and sometimes they fine them [residents] for starting the fire.” The fines can be significant.
After responding to a fire earlier in the day, Jefferson Township Bellville Fire Department responded to a fire on Kenton Rd., Bellville at approximately 5:22 p.m. The brush fire was located close to a structure. Their grass truck had just completed firefighting activity with Monroe and Worthington township departments on Wilson Rd, Butler, between Tugend Rd. and state Rt. 97.
All of the incidents were resolved by the participating fire departments.
Most outdoor burning in rural areas of Ohio are prohibited in the months of March, April, May, Oct., and Nov. between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. This includes “open burns” which refers to debris, brush, and trash fires. No open burns are allowed when the burn ban is in effect. Outdoor burning in Ohio is regulated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.
“Any time it’s windy,” said Worthington Fire Chief Randy Johnson, “please don’t burn—anything. Even in the spring when the ground is wet, the top of the grass is dry and it burns.”
