Northwest Ohio residents are urged to take special precautions during the unusually dry summer weather, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ (ODNR) Division of Forestry. Dried grasses, weeds, leaves and crops are providing fuel for wildfires.

“Homeowners, farmers and woodland owners should be especially cautious during this dry period,” said Gregg Maxfield, northern region supervisor for the ODNR Division of Forestry. “Much of the small fuels that carry wildfire are tinder dry and will stay this way through the summer unless we have moisture for new growth. High temperatures, low humidity and wind are not in our favor.”

Residents can take measures to prevent accidental wildfires. These include avoiding burning trash and debris, keeping grass trimmed, not discarding cigarettes and other smoking materials outside, postponing fireworks and not having open cooking fires or campfires.

The ODNR Division of Forestry works to promote the wise use and sustainable management of Ohio’s public and private woodlands. To learn more about Ohio’s woodlands, visit www.ohiodnr.com/forestry.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Information about ODNR programs and recreational facilities is available online at www.ohiodnr.com.