West Virginia’s spring forest fire season starts this week with limits on outside burning.
The season begins Wednesday and runs through May 31. Outside burning is only allowed between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. Burning also is limited to brush, leaves, yard clippings and other vegetative materials.
The West Virginia Division of Forestry says residents could faces fines if a fire they started escapes and causes a wildfire or forest fire. Fines range from $100 to $1,000.
State law requires a safety strip or ring at least 10 feet wide around outdoor fires to prevent them from spreading into woods.