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.