Illegal To Burn Outdoors in West Virginia
Illegal To Burn Outdoors in West Virginia Save Email Print
Posted: 11:36 PM Oct 18, 2007
Last Updated: 11:36 PM Oct 18, 2007
Reporter: Michael Wooten
Email Address: michael.wooten@wsaz.com

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Governor Joe Manchin (D-WV) signed a proclamation Thursday that bans all outdoor burning in West Virginia beginning Friday.

The ban is in response to the severe drought across much of the state and region.

WSAZ Chief Meteorologist Tony Cavalier said the burning ban comes just in time, because strong winds are expected Friday.

That will likely mean more leaves on the ground, which serve as fuel for brush fires.

Below is a copy of the news release from the governor's office regarding the burning ban.


GOVERNOR BANS OUTDOOR BURNING
State agencies prepared to assist communities low on water

CHARLESTON -- To reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires due to drought, Gov. Joe Manchin has issued a proclamation that bans all outdoor burning throughout West Virginia beginning Oct. 18.

The ban, which is necessary because of drought conditions and reduced water supply levels in some communities, will be in effect until conditions improve and the governor rescinds the order.

“Drought conditions throughout the state have lowered and, in some cases, depleted water resources in many of our communities, which is a real concern if we need to fight a forest fire,” Manchin said.

“Until we get enough rain to improve the situation, we must take action to help prevent accidental fires and ban all open burning until the state’s water resources are replenished.”

Beginning Oct. 18, it is unlawful for any person in the state to engage in outdoor burning, including fires built for the burning of debris, and for camping 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. A pit-burner is required for these fires. A permit shall be 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. A permit shall be obtained from the Division of Forestry prior to burning.

• Fires for commercial outdoor cooking, and cooking for fairs and festivals. A water source capable of extinguishing the fire must be present.

• Liquid-fueled gas fire stoves, grills, or lanterns.

Manchin instructed the Division of Forestry to enact a forest fire readiness plan and to enforce the ban on burning as outlined in Chapter 20 of the West Virginia Code.

The governor also called upon the Division of Natural Resources, the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and the State Police to cooperate in the strict enforcement of this ban.

Jimmy Gianato, director of the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, said his agency is working to assist where water supplies are dwindling.

WVDHSEM also has been working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to obtain permit requests that would allow temporary dikes or dams to be built on navigable waterways in the state, he said. Some communities have instituted water conservation plans on their own.

"We are working with the appropriate agencies to help local communities that are having water shortage issues,” Gianato said. “Local emergency management officials are keeping us updated on their situations so we can be prepared.”

Forestry Director Randy Dye said 99 percent of forest fires in West Virginia are caused by humans, and 26 percent of those fires are caused by debris burning. “If everyone cooperates with the ban on outdoor burning, we should be able to dramatically lower the risk for a forest fire.”

Burning permits for fires excluded from the restrictions may be obtained from the Division of Forestry’s regional offices in Beckley, Fairmont, Milton, Parkersburg and Romney. Dye said this burning ban is not a woods closure and will not affect scheduled hunting seasons.

“I remind hunters that all open campfires are totally prohibited, and ask them to be on the lookout for and to report anyone who may be violating this ban,” Dye said.

Although campfires are prohibited under the ban, liquid-fueled stoves, grills and lanterns are allowed.

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Posted by: Sandy on Sep 21, 2008 at 05:52 PM
We have an open burning issue on N. 189th St, Warwood, WV. Locations 142 and 149 N. 18th St. burn paper, cardboard, yard plants, etc in barrel for the sole purpose of impacting neighbors houses with smoke and acidic fumes. We cannot leave our home without closing all windows, never knowing if you will find your home filled with smoke and odor. It is so bad ofen times, your eyes and throat burn while sitting in your own home. Please advise how we can get this stopped.

Posted by: clarify on Oct 20, 2007 at 11:12 PM
please clarify "and for camping or warming" The way all of this states, it is almost as if one cannot use a wood stove to heat with.

Posted by: cold camper on Oct 20, 2007 at 10:59 AM
Unfortunately. I live in the woods. My ONLY source of heat is a small camp fire. It is how I cook my food. And what about people who have wood burning heating stoves? A spark could come out of the chimney and burn down the world. So our Governor should outlaw using your wood burner.... Propane and coleman fuel burn too. What if your "liquid fuel" contraption gets knocked over? We need to ban all fire. Of course that means a lot of people will be cold and eat raw food. Hunters smoking cigarettes need to be jailed. No welding either! Sparks can cause fire... How about the idea of actually EDUCATING people in how to be cautious with fire. A 5 gallon bucket of water and a shovel available at all times, no fire left unattended? I know MANY people who don't have a clue how to keep their cigarettes from starting fires. But we are not ALL stupid. Some of us have a lifetime worth of experience. Guess I'll just have to move camp out in the woods farther so the fire nazis can't see it...

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