(Editorial - Graphic Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

Fall fire season has arrived across our region. Don’t let a little rainy weather in September fool you, things are still dry enough to elevate the risk of wildfires. That risk is already higher now that leaves are hitting the ground, and other vegetation is either going dormant and drying out or dying altogether at this time of year.

Lower humidity and fall breezes may be pleasant for us, but they, too, add to the risk.

All those factors create “a situation where we have an elevated risk of wildfires here in Ohio,” according to the state Division of Forestry’s Aaron Kloss.

Conditions are similar in West Virginia, where officials add the danger that comes from residents who choose to burn all that lawn debris.

“As West Virginia approaches its fall fire season, I urge all citizens to prioritize safety and adhere strictly to our state’s burning laws,” said state Director of the Division of Forestry Jeremy Jones. “Wildfires pose a significant threat to our communities, forests, and natural resources. By exercising caution and following established regulations, we can collectively prevent devastating fires and protect our beautiful state. Please familiarize yourselves with the current burning laws. Your cooperation is vital in ensuring a safe fall season for everyone.”

In West Virginia, fall fire season restrictions run from the beginning of October through Dec. 31, during which time burning is prohibited from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. In Ohio, open burning in unincorporated areas is prohibited from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., through November.

Fires must be attended at all times and completely extinguished. A 10-foot safety strip cleared of any burnable material is necessary. Equipment that can throw sparks should have an adequate spark arrestor.

Water or a fire extinguisher should be kept close at hand, and weather conditions should always be factored into the decision to burn.

Obey the law; be smart and safe this season.

And remember — apologies to Smokey Bear, but it is true: It really is up to YOU to prevent wildfires.