DAYTON, Ohio -- In Greene County, the threat for brush fire has already prompted fire officials to take action.

"We put into effect on the 24th, just a complete ban on all open burning, effective until further notice." said Scott Baldwin, Cedarville Fire Chief. "There's always a ban on open fires, with the exception of campfires and ceremonial type things. However, it's dry enough now that even those are concerns."

Greene County may be drier than other areas, but leftover tree debris is now more like kindling, therefore a fire threat is an increasing concern for all parts of the Miami Valley. "Once something gets started, it's very hard to control" said Baldwin. "A couple days ago, we assisted Xenia Township with a field fire that probably burned off 100 to 150 acres along Clark Run Rd."

The news wasn't all bad, though. Many neighborhoods were still providing storm debris pick-up as of Friday, most of the time only requiring a homeowner or business owner to move the debris to the side of the road.

Karen Fitzharris, a resident in Oakwood, was one of the many who have taken advantage of the free removal services since the big wind storm. "I'm very pleased with the pickup service.", said Fitzharris. "Within a matter of a couple of days a lot of it was gone".

Many services that are collecting tree debris are the same that collect leaves, so there may only be a small amount of time left to have your debris removed from your yard. "In Cedarville, if they can get it out along the roads, somebody will get it for them.", said Baldwin.

Removing tree debris at this point will do more than just make your yard look good again, it will help reduce the risk for fire in your community.

Rich.Wirdzek@whiotv.com