9/7/2010
Charleston, W.Va. – Gov. Joe Manchin has issued a ban on all outdoor burning in the eight counties of West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle. These counties include Berkeley, Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Jefferson, Mineral, Morgan and Pendleton. This ban will take effect at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2010. This proclamation will be in effect until the governor rescinds the order.
The ban includes fires built for camping, the burning of debris or for warming purposes; however, 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 fundraising 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.
For more information about forest fires in West Virginia, visit the Division of Forestry’s website at www.wvforestry.com.
Contact Information
Webster, Assistant State Forester
304-558-2788
Ben.C.Webster@wv.gov