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.