Page 78 - parks-master-plan

Division of Forestry and Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA). The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency regulates smoke emissions from outdoor burning.

ODNR Division of Forestry Law, ORC 1503.18, bans outdoor burning statewide in unincorporated areas in the spring and fall between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Burning is

prohibited statewide during March, April, May, October and November to help prevent forest fires. Section C of this Law allows the Chief of the Division of Forestry to waive the ban. It is the ODNR Division of Forestry’s policy to only waive this ban for individuals that have been certified by the Division as a certified Prescribed Fire Manager.

Every aspect of carrying out a prescribed burn is the responsibility of the burn manager. Some of the considerations include:

• Weather influences: wind, humidity, temperature, past, current and future rainfall conditions along with air mass stability considerations.

• Land influences: Existing habitat characteristics, existing fuel influences, land contour, road crossings, paths and trails, wildlife presence, and surrounding property features.

The burn manager is responsible for obtaining required permits with ODNR-Forestry and OEPA, as well as creating and filing a detailed site plan that is specific to each burn and each site. It is the responsibility of the burn manager to instruct all ground crew members to assure a successful burn and help ensure maximum safety for all persons and property.

• Resident concerns and objections to fire, smoke and safety planning must be taken into consideration and addressed in the early stages of planning.

• Controlled burns must be performed by individuals trained and certified in the use of fire as a management tool according to Ohio’s Fire Laws.

• Explanation of safety management systems that will be in place such as Certified Burn Manager’s roles, ODNR and OEPA smoke regulations and permitting requirements, and participation of the local fire department should be covered.