Fall Fire Season Begins

Fall fire season began Wednesday, Oct. 1, and continues through Dec. 31. 
During this time, residents must confine their outdoor burning to the hours of 5 p.m.-7 a.m., according to West Virginia State Code Chapter 20-3-5.
Fires set during that time must be put out before 7 a.m. 
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 from 5 p.m.-7 a.m. 
Debris burning is West Virginia’s most common cause of wildfires, averaging more than 35 percent of all wildfires over the past 10 years. 
Fall fire season restrictions in stat law include:
*No outdoor burning from 7 a.m.-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 operating 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 Division of Forestry can issue commercial permits to burn during the prohibited periods.