City Of Bellefontaine

We know that this is a lengthy post, but we ask that you please take the time to read this. Today our crews, along with several other agencies, responded to a field fire that spread to a house. Unfortunately, the house is a total loss. We also responded to a few ditch fires, today. Many have asked the question: "Why is there a burn ban even after it has rained?" Yes, the "ground" is wet, but the dormant- dehumidified vegetation is NOT. Ohio has a seasonal spring burn ban for several reasons. Early spring is one of the highest wildfire-risk periods in the state. 1. Lots of dry fuel on the ground. After winter, the ground is covered with: Dead grass Fallen leaves Dry weeds and brush All of that material ignites very easily. Before plants turn green, there’s nothing moist or living to slow a fire down. 2. Spring weather often brings conditions that help fires spread: Low humidity Warm temperatures Windy afternoons Those factors mean even a small debris burn can escape quickly and turn into a grass or brush fire...which can and does spread to houses. 3. Most fires happen during the daytime. The ban specifically runs 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. because that’s when: Winds are strongest Humidity is lowest Vegetation is driest At night, humidity rises and dew forms, which naturally lowers fire risk. Ohio allows some burning at night during the seasonal burn ban mainly because natural conditions become much safer for fire control after sunset. 1. Humidity rises at night After sunset: Air temperature drops Relative humidity increases Higher humidity means vegetation absorbs moisture from the air, making leaves, grass, and brush harder to ignite and slower to burn. 2. Dew forms on vegetation Overnight, dew often forms on grass and leaves. That moisture acts like a natural fire suppressant, reducing the chance a spark spreads. 3. Winds calm down. Spring winds in Ohio are usually strongest in the afternoon due to daytime heating of the atmosphere. At night: The atmosphere stabilizes Wind speeds drop Lower wind makes it much easier to control a debris pile fire. 4. Cooler temperatures slow fire behavior Cooler nighttime temperatures reduce: Flame intensity Fire spread speed That gives people more time to react if a burn pile starts getting out of control. 5. Historical fire data The Ohio Division of Forestry found that most wildfire escapes happen between late morning and late afternoon, which is why the restriction is specifically 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. under Ohio Revised Code 1503.18. PLEASE, be responsible and obey Ohio's burn bans. They are put into place for good reason. BFD wishes you, all, a safe Spring season.

The Bellefontaine Memorial Day Parade is going to be a big one this year as we celebrate our nation and look ahead to America 250!

Mayor Crissman is asking our community to help the American Legion make this a huge parade and celebration, and we need YOUR help.

We’re inviting groups from across our community to participate, including:

🎺 Local bands
🚒 First responders
🚗 Classic cars & vehicles
🎈 Businesses & organizations
🏫 Schools & community groups
⭐ Anyone with a patriotic spirit

If your group would like to be part of the parade, register here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfJQMhY-EbbwOKHg-5kPSHbXKz5kxewuJNzGEbELEkGjstL_w/viewform

Let’s come together as a community to honor those who gave their lives for our freedom and celebrate the pride we share in our country.

And if you can’t be in the parade, make sure to find a spot along the route and come out to watch as the parade moves through the City of Bellefontaine!

Lane Closure Notice: The northwestbound lane in the 1100 block of W. Sandusky is closed due to a water line repair. Please use caution in this area and drive slowly through the work zone.

Notice of Public Meeting:
Bellefontaine City Council will meet at 7:30 PM on March 10, 2026, in Council Chambers located on the second floor at 135 N. Detroit Street, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311.
The complete text of the agenda, each ordinance or resolution may be found on our website at https://www.ci.bellefontaine.oh.us/.../page/meeting-notices or at the Mayor's Office at 135 N. Detroit Street, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311.

As you change your clocks one hour ahead, this weekend, we we want to remind you to also check the following: 1. Test your smoke alarm by pressing the "Test" button to ensure it sounds. 2. Check the date of manufacture on the back of your smoke alarm. If it's 8 - 10 years old, it's at the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced. 3. Run your vacuum over the grill to remove any dust to eliminate potential false activations. 4. Remember that a "chirp" every 60 seconds is your unit telling you that the batteries are low and need to be changed. 5. A series of three beeps followed by short pauses is your unit telling you that it detects smoke and you need to get out of the house. BFD wishes everyone a safe and happy Spring season!

Trash Collection Delay Notice:

Due to mechanical issues with trucks and staffing shortages, Republic Services was unable to complete all trash collection routes today (Friday). Any remaining collections will be completed early Monday morning.

If your regular collection day is Friday and your trash was not picked up, please remove your trash from the curb today and set it back out for Monday morning for pickup.

Thank you for your understanding, and we apologize for the inconvenience.

Bellefontaine City Income Tax Can Now Be Filed Online!

The City of Bellefontaine is excited to announce that residents can now file their City Income Taxes online!

Skip the paper forms and file quickly, securely, and conveniently from home.

Visit our website to get started today.
👉 https://www.ci.bellefontaine.oh.us/o/cob/page/taxation

For questions, please contact the Income Tax Department by phone at 937-593-8362 or via email at incometax@ci.bellefontaine.oh.us

Notice of Public Meeting of the Civil Service Commission.
Civil Service Commission will meet at 7:30 AM on March 5th, 2026 in Council Chambers located on the second floor at 135 N. Detroit Street, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311

Superior St. is now open to traffic. Thank you for your patience.

Superior St. between Erie St. and Ontario Ave. is temporarily closed for a water line repair. Please avoid this area if possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding. The road is expected to open back up later today.

Stay connected with everything happening in Bellefontaine! We’re committed to making communication easy, accessible, and convenient for our community.

Here are the ways you can stay informed:

📱 City App – Get updates, alerts, and important information right on your phone
🌐 Website – Visit us anytime for news, announcements, and resources
👍 Facebook – Follow us for updates, photos, and community news
📸 Instagram – See what’s happening around the city
📩 Text & Email Alerts – Sign up to receive important notifications directly

No matter how you prefer to connect, we’re here to keep you informed and engaged. Make sure you’re signed up and following along so you never miss an update!

Boil Advisory Lifted The City of Bellefontaine has received laboratory test results confirming that the water quality meets all safety standards. As a result, the boil advisory for the following areas has been lifted: • 500–700 blocks of S. Detroit Street • All of Maple Avenue • 704 S. Main Street • 624 S. Main Street Residents may resume normal use of tap water for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, making ice, and washing dishes. As a precaution, customers may wish to flush household plumbing by running cold water taps for several minutes to ensure fresh water throughout the system. We apologize for the inconvenience this advisory may have caused and sincerely appreciate your patience and cooperation while the issue was resolved.

Logan County is no longer under a snow emergency.

Trash Collection Notice

The City of Bellefontaine would like to inform residents that the remainder of trash not collected on Friday will be picked up today. Crews will also be running the regular Monday trash collection routes as scheduled.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation.

Erie Ave has reopened between E. Lake Ave and Superior St.

Road Closure Notice Erie Ave is currently closed between E. Lake Ave and Superior St due to a water main break repair. The road is expected to reopen later today. Please use extra caution in this area and follow all posted road closure signs. Do not drive through a closed road or work zone, as this creates a serious safety hazard for both workers and the public. Thank you for your patience and cooperation while repairs are completed.

Notice of Public Meeting:
Bellefontaine City Council will meet at 7:30 PM on February 24, 2026, in Council Chambers located on the second floor at 135 N. Detroit Street, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311.
The complete text of the agenda, each ordinance or resolution may be found on our website at https://www.ci.bellefontaine.oh.us/.../page/meeting-notices or at the Mayor's Office at 135 N. Detroit Street, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311.

PER SHERIFF RANDALL J. DODDS LOGAN COUNTY WILL BE UNDER A LEVEL ONE SNOW EMERGENCY 

Boil Advisory Notice Due to a loss of water pressure caused by a malfunctioning fire protection system at 225 Lincoln Street, a boil advisory is in effect for the following areas: • 500–700 blocks of S. Detroit Street • All of Maple Avenue • 704 S. Main Street • 624 S. Main Street What this means: All water used for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, making ice, or washing dishes should be brought to a rolling boil for at least one (5) minute's, then allowed to cool before use. Air in water lines: If you experience air coming from your water fixtures, please go to the highest fixture in your home and allow it to run until the air stops and the water becomes clear and consistent. Testing and updates: Water samples will be collected on Monday, 2/23, and results are expected to be available on Tuesday, 2/24. This advisory will remain in effect until water quality testing confirms the system is safe. We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding. An update will be provided as soon as the boil advisory is lifted.

E. Lake Ave. is now open to traffic. Thank you for your patience.