BRIDGEPORT, W.Va (WDTV) - Governor Jim Justice issued a statewide outdoor burning ban Monday.
Justice says the ban will reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires and is necessary due to the continuation of dry weather conditions and low water levels in communities.
The ban makes it unlawful for any person in the state to engage in outdoor burning, including fires built for camping, the burning of debris, or warming.
Officials said the ban will be in effect until circumstances improve. Justice will announce when the order is rescinded, they said.
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 fund-raising 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
The proclamation orders the Division of Natural Resources, the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Department of Homeland Security, and the State Police to cooperate in the enforcement of this ban.
You can see the full proclamation Justice issued below.
Governor Justice Issues Burn Ban by lpalmer on Scribd
