8/15/2011
Charleston, W.Va. – Summer storms knocked down branches and trees throughout West Virginia, leaving some landowners few options but to burn the debris left behind. Debris fires can be safe as long as you follow a few simple rules:
• Keep debris piles small
• Don’t light more piles than you can safely control
• Never burn on windy days
• Have a water hose or bucket of water within reach
• Keep a shovel or rake nearby
• Stay on-site until the fire is completely extinguished
• Call 911 immediately if a fire does escape
If you allow a fire you have started to escape and it causes a wildfire or forest fire, you will be subject to fines ranging from $100 to $1,000. An additional civil penalty of $200 also will be assessed against you.
These fines and penalties are part of legislation passed this year that also changed the state’s outdoor burning hours. Starting Oct.1, 2011, outdoor burning is allowed only after 5 p.m. and all fires must be out by 7 a.m.
To learn more about the state’s fire laws, visit the Division of Forestry’s website at
www.wvforestry.com.
Contact Information
Leslie Fitzwater, Public Information Specialist
304.957.9342 or 304.541.8102
Leslie.C.Fitzwater@wv.gov