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RICHMOND - Gov. Tim Kaine announced Thursday Nov. 15) that the statewide ban on open burning has been lifted, effective immediately. The ban was instituted Oct. 19 when weather conditions across the commonwealth pushed the drought and wildland fire indices into the dangerous range.
“The statewide ban on open burning helped reduce the immediate threat to citizens and their property,” Kaine said. “Without the ban, and a couple of unpredicted rain events that provided some much-needed moisture, we could have had as many as 1,500 wildfires during the sixweek fall fire season. Instead, we’ve had 118 fires that burned a total of 855 acres.”
At least 18 of those 118 fires were caused by people violating the burn ban. Forestry officials stress that lifting the burn ban does not mean the threat of wildfire is gone.
“As the leaves fall and dry, windy weather conditions continue, our wildfire risk will increase,” said State Forester Carl E. Garrison III. “Anyone planning to burn should take all necessary precautions; make sure no local restrictions are in effect, and check the weather conditions before burning.”
In addition to any fines for violating the fire laws, anyone who allows a fire to escape is liable for the potentially significant costs of suppressing
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