CHARLESTON, W.Va. (The Hinton News) – Fall fire season begins Wednesday, Oct. 1, and continues through Dec. 31, the West Virginia Division of Forestry (WV DOF).
During this time, residents must confine their outdoor burning to the hours of 5 p.m. to 7 a.m., according to the West Virginia State Code Chapter 20-3-5. Fires set during that time must be put out before 7 a.m.
“Fall fire season is a critical time for forest protection in West Virginia,” said Jeremy Jones, Director/State Forester of the West Virginia Division of Forestry. “With autumn leaves covering the ground and lower humidity during the day, even a small campfire or debris burn can quickly escape control. Escaped debris fires remain our leading cause of wildfires, but they are entirely preventable.”
Outdoor burning is restricted during the day due to the abundance of dry leaves and forest floor debris that may cause fires to spread. Relative humidity typically increases during the evening and overnight, which is why burning is permitted only during those hours.
Debris burning is West Virginia’s most common cause of wildfires, averaging more than 35% of all wildfires over the past 10 years.
“We ask all West Virginians to follow the state’s burning laws, limit burning to the evening hours, and take every precaution to help us safeguard our communities and forestland,” Jones said.
West Virginia residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with state laws before burning. A summary of forest fire laws and safe fire practices can be found here on the state Division of Forestry website. The WV DOF also publishes a Daily Fire Report highlighting the current active fire season.
The fall fire season state law restrictions include:
- No outdoor burning from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Any fire set between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. must be extinguished before 7 a.m.
- Fires must be attended at all times.
- Before leaving any fire for any length of time, the fire must be completely extinguished.
- Clear at least a 10-foot area (safety strip) around the fire and make sure all burnable material has been removed.
- Any equipment that can throw sparks and operates on land subject to fire by any cause must be provided with an adequate spark arrestor.
- If your fire escapes, you are liable for the costs of fighting the fire and any damage the fire may cause.
- Violation of the burning law is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000.
The WV DOF can issue commercial permits to burn during the prohibited periods.
The Division of Forestry protects nearly 12 million acres of forestland across West Virginia. For more information on fire safety and programs like forest legacy, logging and landowner assistance, visit wvforestry.com.
