(11/4/24) West Virginia has issued a statewide outdoor burn ban.
The proclamation, issued by Gov. Jim Justice, bans all outdoor burning effective Monday until “circumstances improve,” a news release said. The governor cited a high risk of wildfires, dry weather conditions and low water levels as reasons for the proclamation.
The governor’s order makes it unlawful for any person in the state to engage in outdoor burning, including fires built for camping, the burning of debris or warming.
The following items are excluded from the restrictions:
- Fires for the purpose of chemical production, where fire is essential to operation
- Fires for commercial land-clearing, such as mining, highway construction, and development: Provided that a permit is obtained from the Division of Forestry prior to burning.
- Training fires conducted under the direct control and supervision of qualified instructors at a training facility operated by a fire department or government entity: Provided that a permit for such training fires is obtained from the Division of Forestry prior to burning.
- Fires for outdoor cooking conducted for fund-raising events and charitable organizations: Provided that a water source capable of extinguishing the fire must be present and a permit is obtained from the Division of Forestry prior to the operation.
- Liquid fueled gas grills, lanterns or liquid-fueled gas fire stoves
The governor has also instructed the Division of Forestry to enact a forest fire readiness plan and to enforce the ban on burning as outlined in state code, the news release said. The Division of Natural Resources, the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Department of Homeland Security and West Virginia State Police will cooperate in the enforcement of the ban.