CHARLESTON, W.Va. — It’s officially the beginning of Fall Fire Season in West Virginia, and the West Virginia Division of Forestry is laying out its yearly guidelines to keep citizens safe during potentially dry months.
The Fall Fire Season will last from the beginning of October until December 31.
Jeremy Jones, the director of the West Virginia Division of Forestry, said in a release that, “This past summer’s drought has led to more trees losing their leaves fast this fall, Jones said. “We ask the public to help protect our beautiful forests and follow burning laws and to please be mindful of the weather and conditions we are facing this year.
The fall fire season state law restrictions include:
- 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 of up to $1,000.
The WVDOF is also asking for residents to limit their outdoor burning to the hours of 5 p.m. to 7 a.m.
The WV DOF can also issue commercial permits to burn during the prohibited periods.