Chief's Corner

I would like to personally welcome you to the Bethlehem Fire and Rescue web page. I hope you find it both informative and enlightening. It is our intent to provide the very highest quality fire and emergency medical services possible to our citizens and neighbors. Our mission statement is found on the first page and is shared by every member of the department.

From firehouse events to members of the ladies auxiliary, most topics are readily available for your viewing. I hope you enjoy the site and feel free to contact myself or any member by simply using the e-mail tab below any picture in the personnel section and dropping us a line. Remember, you are always welcome to stop by the station and visit.

Sincerely:

Chief Allan G. Putt

Questions?

To learn more about the Division of Forestry's prescribed fire regulations,

visit:

http://www.ohiodnr.com/forestry

or contact:

Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Division of Forestry

1-877-247-8733

forestry@dnr.state.oh.us

Each year, there are more than 1,000 wildfires in the state of Ohio.

Wildfires in Ohio threaten and cause damage to homes, private property, trees and landscapes. More importantly, lives are placed at risk.

Most of the fires are preventable.

Most of Ohio’s wildfires are the result of arson and careless open-burning (burning of trash, debris and brush)

Ohio law prohibits open-burning in the spring and fall.

Open-burning is particularly dangerous in the spring and fall, when leaves are on the ground, the grass is not green and weather is warm, dry, and windy. As a result, open burning in Ohio is prohibited in unincorporated area in March, April, May, October, and November, 6am to 6pm.

Prescribed fire can be used as a tool to eliminate undesirable vegetation and reduce hazadardous fuel levels.

When managed carefully, prescribed fire (an intentionally or naturally ignited fire that burns under specific conditions, in a predetermined area, to attain planned resource management objectives) can stimulate the growth of native vegetation and reduce fire hazards brought on by the accumulation of dead vegetation.