• Burning Law In Litect March 1

Burning Law In Litect March 1

Forest Wardens in the area are reminding everyone that the 4 o’clock brush burning law goes into effect Friday, March 1, and lasts until May 15.

Section 10-62B of the State Code makes it unlawful to set fire to brush, leaves, grass, debris -- or other inflammable material capable of spreading fire - within 300 feet of any woodland or brushland except between the hours of 4 p.m. and 12 midnight.

The law will be in effect seven days a week and it applies to such things as camp fires, the burning of brush piles, household trash, stumps, fields of grass or any type of fire capable of spreading.

“The law is an effective and good fire prevention measure because after 4 p.m. when temperatures are lower accompanied by higher humidity and decreasing winds, the chance of a fire spreading is lessened,” said Rappahannock’s chief forest warden Clifton W. Jenkins. He noted that the law is seasonal, applying only during those months when the danger of forest fires is more critical.

The following fire laws are in effect year round:

1) A fire built within 150 feet of woodlands (or any other material capable of spreading a fire) must be totally extinguished before it is left unattended. 2) Reasonable care and precaution must be taken prior to any open burning. 3) Any time a fire escapes into woodlands or brushlands as a result of carelessness, negligence or by intention, the person responsible is liable for the expenses of putting out the fire.

Jenkins said that the best time to bum is on damp days, and also that the sheriff should be notified prior to any massive burning

While these state laws may seem complicated, they have a purpose since the vast majority of forest fires are caused by man, Jenkins noted.

For additional information on forest fire laws, contact Jenkins at 987-8837, or Rappahannock County Forester William Vemam at (703) 347-7989.