Talkline with Hoppy Kercheval  Watch |  Listen
11:00am: Darian DeVries Introduction Press Conference

Spring fire season means fire burning guidelines

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The first day of March also means it’s the first day of the annual spring fire season in West Virginia. The state Division of Forestry is wanting to remind residents of hours in the day when it’s appropriate to burn.

Outdoor burning hours are scheduled between 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. All fires set during that time frame must be put out by 7 a.m. The hours according to West Virginia State Code.

There have already been 162 fires reported in the state this year alone. They have resulted in more than 1,140 burned acres.

Assistant State Forester-Fire Jeremy Jones said all it takes is some sun and strong wind to get a wildfire going.

“Even though it seems that we have had some wet weather leading up to our spring fire season I would like to remind everyone that it doesn’t take much sun and wind to dry out our fine fuels that allow fires to spread rapidly,” Jones said.

Jones added in the past 10 years, people have been responsible for more than 99% of wildfires in West Virginia. Also, 35% of wildfires can be attributed from burning debris.

Those responsible for causing a fire on any grass or forest land would be asked to reimburse the state. Fines for forest fires caused range from $100 up to $1,000 with an additional civil penalty of $200.

Simple regulations to follow include placing a safety ring around a fire, burning only vegetative materials such as leaves and yard clippings, and attending to the fire until it’s completely extinguished

The Division of Forestry has burning guidelines posted on their website, wvforestry.com/fire-laws.





More News

News
MetroNews This Morning 3-28-24
Summary of West Virginia news/sports/weather for Thursday, March 28, 2024
March 28, 2024 - 6:25 am
News
PSC approves settlements involving Mon Power, net-metering cases
Rate increase went into effect Tuesday.
March 27, 2024 - 9:42 pm
News
Speakers at Focus Forward symposium discuss AI capabilities in West Virginia
The event was organized by the West Virginia Public Education Collaborative and the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation.
March 27, 2024 - 8:30 pm
News
Justice vetoes vaccination exemption bill, draws praise from healthcare groups
Educational and healthcare organizations banded together to urge a veto.
March 27, 2024 - 6:35 pm