West Virginia Department of Commerce

WV Division Of Forestry urges caution during fall fire season starting Oct. 1

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Fall fire season starts Tuesday, Oct. 1, and continues through Dec. 31, the West Virginia Division of Forestry (WV DOF) announced today. 
 
“This past summer’s drought has led to more trees losing their leaves fast this fall,” said Jeremy Jones, Director/State Forester of the West Virginia Division of Forestry. “We ask the public to help protect our beautiful forests and follow burning laws and to please be mindful of the weather and conditions we are facing this year.”

During the fall, dry leaves and forest floor debris become more flammable. Burning is prohibited during the daytime hours because, even in fall, relative humidity typically increases in the evening. 

Debris burning is West Virginia’s most common cause of wildfires, averaging more than 35% of all wildfires over the past ten years. 
 
A summary of forest fire laws and safe fire practices can be found on the state Division of Forestry website here.

WV DOF reminds residents to 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. 

The fall fire season state law restrictions include:

The WV DOF can issue commercial permits to burn during the prohibited periods.

West Virginia residents can review the Daily Fire Report, which highlights the current active fire season here

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.  

###

Exit mobile version