CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Kanawha County Commission is requesting a burn ban in the area following the extreme dry conditions heightening the risk of forest fires.
The commission sent a letter to Governor Jim Justice’s office and the West Virginia Division of Forestry on Monday requesting the burn ban for Kanawha County.
Ongoing extreme drought conditions, along with dry vegetation and dry brittle leaves on the ground prompted their decision to the send the letters, as the combination creates the right conditions for a fire to spread.
The National Weather Service says the potential for more fire danger concerns could continue through the rest of the week with little rain in the forecast and further dry conditions.
The commission implores people to not burn this week in an effort to be as cautious as possible. They say to make sure cigarettes are completely put out before throwing them away.
They also remind people that burning trash is illegal no matter the circumstance.
Part of the letter the commission wrote to Gov. Justice reads as follows:
“Dear Governor Justice,
With extreme drought conditions plaguing Kanawha County we respectfully request your approval for a comprehensive burn ban in Kanawha County. The ongoing dry weather has resulted in an accumulation of dry vegetation and brittle leaves, significantly increasing the risk of fire hazards in our region.”
You can read the full letter here.
The second letter they sent to the State Forester Director also requested the additional burn ban, suggesting it should be expanded from its regular originally set dates of Oct. 1- Dec. 31.
The commission has notified the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, and deputies will be out enforcing the ban to protect property and citizens.
They said if people need to dispose of debris, recyclables, old appliances, tires and metal, they may do so at the County cleanups on Saturday, September 21 in South Charleston (Intersection of 4th Ave. and C St.) and on Saturday, October 5 in Cabin Creek (15127 MacCorkle Ave). The cleanups are free to the public from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at those dates and locations.
The Jackson County Commission has also issued a burn ban.