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Brush and trash burning accounts for almost one-third of all wildfires in Virginia. On Tuesday, March 1, the state's burning law takes effect, making outdoor burning illegal except between 4 p.m. and midnight. The prohibition lasts until May 15.
The law states that “no open air burning can be done within 300 feet of woodland, brushland or field containing dry grass or other inflammable material capable of spreading fire, except between the hours of 4 p.m. and midnight.” The ban includes open-air trash barrels.
Tippy Jenkins, Rappahannock's forest warden, admits that it may be difficult for people to understand why the ban is necessary-, particularly with the recent rains. It’s essential, he said, because of the nature of brush fires and the changeable spring weather.
Even when the ground is soaking wet right after a rain, Mr. Jenkins said, the grasses and leaves on the surface can dry within hours when there’s a stiff breeze and bright sunshine. The grasses, especially, will bum like a tinderbox, and even faster when fanned by a breeze.
And it’s dangerous to take a calm for granted. Winds can change direction or rise without warning, whipping a controlled bum into an out-of-control brushfire in a matter of minutes.
It’s not just the fire which may spread into nearby grass. Sparks fly everywhere from leaves, grass and dried branches when burned, and even a
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