CHARLESTON, W.Va. — You’ll hear no complaints from the West Virginai Division of Forestry about a soaking rain across the state on the first day of the fall forest fire season. Ian’s residual rains have drenched the state and made conditions for a forest fire almost null, but observers know it won’t last.
October 1st is the first day of the autumn forest fire season. Open burning must be confined to the hours of 5pm to 7am.
“As we start into our fall fire season, I ask that everyone please use a little common sense and follow our burning laws. Please refrain from burning on hot and windy evenings, even if you are permitted to do so, and wait for a wet evening to conduct your burning,” said Assistant State Forester Jeremy Jones, of the West Virginia Division of Forestry.
The fire safe law includes:
–No outdoor burning from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
–Any fire set between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. must be extinguished before 7 a.m.
–Fires must be attended at all times.
–Before leaving any fire for any length of time, the fire must be completely extinguished.
–Clear at least a 10-foot area (safety strip) around the fire and make sure all burnable material has been removed.
–Any equipment that can throw sparks and operating on land subject to fire by any cause must be provided with an adequate spark arrestor.
–If your fire escapes, you are liable for the costs of fighting the fire and any damage the fire may cause.
–Violation of the burning law is punishable by a fine up to $1,000.
To burn during prohibited periods for commercial burning, a permit must be obtained from the Division of Forestry.