State fire ban now lifted

Governor Earl Ray Tomblin lifted the statewide outdoor burning ban as of Saturday, July 14. With the approval of the governor, State Forester Randy Dye and Natural Resources Director Frank Jezioro rescinded the ban, which has been in place since July 6.

“We have made significant progress with storm recovery during the past week, and I believe it is safe for residents to burn storm debris that has collected in yards and communities throughout West Virginia. Please use caution and put safety first,” Governor Tomblin said.

Following the June 29 storm, first responders such as volunteer fire departments and local law enforcement were busy with storm response. Now that they have the flexibility to respond to fire-related incidents and due to recent rainfall throughout the state, the ban was lifted.

State Forester Dye also reminded residents to use caution when burning outdoors. His suggestions:
—Put debris in several small piles instead of one large one.

—Select a safe place away from overhead power lines, phone lines or other obstructions and where the fire cannot spread into the woods or weedy, brushy areas.

—Clear at least a 10-foot area around the fire and make sure this area is clear of burnable material.

—Have water and tools on hand to extinguish anything that may escape the burn area.

—Stay with the fire at all times until it is completely out. Leaving a fire unattended for any length of time is illegal.

—Call 911 immediately if a fire does escape.