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Area burning bans lifted
RICHMOND - Gov. Timothy M. Kaine has announced the statewide ban on open burning has been lifted, effective immediately.
The ban was instituted Oct. 19 when weather conditions across the commonwealth pushed the drought and wildland fire indices into the dangerous range. Local burning restrictions may still apply, and anyone planning to burn should check with their local fire department and/or fire marshal's office before proceeding.
"The statewide ban on open burning helped reduce the immediate threat to citizens and their property," Kaine said. "Without the ban, and a couple of unpredicted rain events that provided some much-needed moisture, we could have had as many as 1,500 wildfires during the six-week fall fire season. Instead, we've had 118 fires that burned a total of 855 acres."
At least 18 of those 118 fires were caused by people violating the burn ban. Forestry officials stress that lifting the burn ban does not mean the threat of wildfire is gone.
"As the leaves fall and dry, windy weather conditions continue, our wildfire risk will increase," said State Forester Carl E. Garrison III. "Anyone planning to burn should take all necessary precautions; make sure no local restrictions are in effect, and check the weather conditions before burning."
In addition to any fines for violating the fire laws, anyone who allows a fire to escape is liable for the potentially significant costs of suppressing that fire. Since Jan. 1, the Virginia Department of Forestry has spent more than $580,000 fighting wildfires.
"We are most grateful to the citizens of Virginia who obeyed the burn ban. Their support for the past 27 days likely saved lives and property," said John Miller, VDOF director of resource protection.
"We know it was a hardship for many landowners, campers, hunters, scout troops, festival-goers and others who rely on open-air fires each fall," Garrison added. "We very much appreciate their understanding and cooperation during the statewide burn ban."
Tips on how to reduce the danger of an open-air fire escaping may be found at www.dof.virginia.gov.
Cooler weather and recent rains has led forest service officials to lift the ban on open fires on the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests also.
"The fire danger has dropped below the critical stage, however conditions are still dryer than normal for this time of year," said fire management officer Greg Sanders. "We would like to remind visitors to the forest to use caution and not leave fires unattended or dump hot ashes in the woods. Make sure fires are completely out and cold to the touch before you leave."
"People were very cooperative and understanding about the need to prevent wildfires," said patrol captain Woody Lipps. "Only a few warning notices and less than a dozen citations were written for people violating the ban while it was in effect."
There were no accidental fires started on the national forests during the five weeks the ban was in place. If fire activity increases or fire danger returns to critical levels the restrictions could be reinstated.
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