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| Scioto County Wildfire |
COLUMBUS, OH -- Ohioans can learn more about ways to prevent dangerous wildfires at the
Ohio Wildfire Exposition, scheduled for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, March 13-14, at the Buckeye Career Center in New Philadelphia. The event, sponsored by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry, is open to the public at no charge.
Wildfires do happen in Ohio and they can threaten homes and businesses, risking lives and property. During the two-day Wildfire Expo, individuals can learn how they can reduce the risks of wildfires on their land, talk with wildfire experts, observe outdoor demonstrations and wildfire- fighting vehicles, and participate in hands-on activities.
While Ohio's wildfires may not be the tree-eating infernos of America's Western lands, it has fallen victim to destructive blazes. Each year, about 1,000 wildfires consume a total of 4,000 to 6,000 acres of forest and grassland in the state. In fact, the drought and subsequent wildfires of 1999 cost Ohio more than 8,000-acres. The two most common sources of wildfires in Ohio are human carelessness and arson, resulting in untold damage to trees, wildfire and water quality. These fires also place people and their homes at significant risk.
More than 30 percent of the state is forested land, covering mainly eastern and southeastern Ohio. With help from more than 300 rural volunteer fire departments, the ODNR Division of Forestry oversees the fire protection of these lands.
Ohio has two wildfire seasons, in the spring before vegetation has grown, and in the fall when leaves begin to drop.
The Wildfire Exposition also will feature door prizes, instructional programs, Smokey Bear exhibits and displays, and other hands-on activities.
Fire Departments are invited to bring their trucks along and participate in the Brush Truck Cruise In.
Event sponsors also include the Tuscarawas County Firefighters Association and Stark County Firefighters Association.
The ODNR Division of Forestry is committed to hosting events that bring together the fire service and public, as well as sharing the newest wildland fire technology and fire department ingenuity.
For more information about the Wildfire Exposition, call 330-339-2205, extension 19.