By GERRY RICCIUTTI

Special for the Journal

(WKBN) – Although the state of Ohio already has a daytime ban on outdoor burning through the end of this month, several communities in Columbiana County are extending it.

Both the villages of East Palestine and New Waterford — along with Unity Township — have issued emergency bans on any kind of fire until at least the end of this week.

This comes as the National Weather Service issued a special weather statement Monday for an increased risk of wildfires spreading throughout most of the Valley.

East Palestine Fire Chief Keith Drabick said there are still options for those residents who want to get rid of all the leaves on the ground.

“You know, a lot of the retailers will be selling bags. Some municipalities will give you bags to put your leaves in. You can bag your leaves, take them to the trash. Some municipalities will even pick them up if you keep them in bags.” he said.

Drabick said that while residents can be fined for violating the bans, he’s not just looking to issue citations.

“It’s about the safety of our residents and, you know, making sure we can get everything under control and we don’t have an incident where … either somebody gets hurt or … we have a big fire that’s going to affect safety. services for a long time,” he said.

The chief said the ban will remain in place until weather conditions – which require very low humidity and gusty winds – improve and reduce the danger of bushfires and wildfires spreading.

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Kristy Regula contributed to this report.