State expands ash borer quarantine to 14 counties, including Trumbull

REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio (AP) — Ohio is expanding its quarantine against moving firewood and ash trees to slow the spread of the emerald ash borer.

The addition of 14 more counties to the quarantine area means the restrictions now apply to about three-quarters of Ohio.

The destructive beetle has been found throughout the state, mainly in northern Ohio as well as the Columbus area and southwest Ohio.

The new counties on the list are: Adams, Ashtabula, Brown, Clinton, Coshocton, Fayette, Geauga, Highland, Holmes, Knox, Lake, Madison, Ross and Trumbull.

The ban makes it illegal to remove from the counties ash trees or parts, or any hardwood firewood. Violators may face state fines of up to $4,000.