CHARLESTON, W.Va. –West Virginia’s spring fire season begins Sunday, marking the return of statewide burning restrictions.
The West Virginia Division of Forestry release stated that residents need to confine outdoor burning to 5 p.m. to 7 a.m.
“Despite the recent cold and snow winter, the fuel sources can dry out quickly. Since January 1, we have responded to 50 fires that have consumed approximately 232 acres. We urge everyone to strictly adhere to burning regulations, particularly sunny and windy conditions,” WV Division of Forestry Director/State Forester Jeremy Jones said.
The release stated these regulations for residents to follow:
– All fires must have a safety strip
– The safety strip itself must be cleared of burnable material and be at least 10 feet wide
– Fire much be attended until completely extinguished
– Only vegetative materials such as leaves, brush and yard clipping are permitted to be burnt
– Spark-throwing machinery such as power shovels or sawmills operating on land subject to fire must contain an adequate spark arrestor
– Inflammable waste disposal areas must annually remove all grass, brush, debris and other inflammable material adjacent to disposal areas to provide adequate protection, preventing the escape of fire to adjacent lands.
“We understand that folks will be wanting to clean up their yards after the winter storms,” Jones said. “However, we urge everyone to adhere to our burning restrictions and to contact their local Regional Office with any questions about current conditions. During the sunny and warm days of spring, fuels can dry out quickly, allowing fires to start and spread easily.”
Any person or company who cause a fire on grass or forest land are required to reimburse the state for the costs of suppressing the fire, and fines for forest fires that are caused by negligence range from $100 to $1,000 with an additional civil penalty of $200.
The burning restrictions will remain in effect until the spring fire season closes on May 31.
For more information visit the Division of Forestry’s website.