Outdoor Burning Ban Story Archives - West Virginia Public Broadcasting

W.Va. Outdoor Burning Ban Now In Effect

West Virginia Division of Forestry guidelines say outdoor burning is prohibited during the daytime hours of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To prevent forest or brush fires, statewide restrictions on outdoor burning are in effect from now until December 31st.

West Virginia Division of Forestry guidelines say outdoor burning is prohibited during the daytime hours of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. If burning has occurred during permitted hours the fire must be completely extinguished by 7 a.m.

All fires must have a ring or safety strip around them that is fully cleared and at least 10 feet wide. Fires must be attended until completely extinguished.

Only vegetative materials such as leaves, brush and yard clippings are permitted to be burnt.

If operating spark-throwing machinery such as power shovels or sawmills on land subject to fire, that machinery must contain an adequate spark arrestor.

A landowner must take all practicable means to suppress any fire on his property. If he or she fails to do so, the state will collect the amounts spent to put the fire out..

Fines for forest fires due to negligence range from $100 to $1,000

Burn Ban Lifted, Standard Rules Apply

After the state received sufficient rain over the weekend, Gov. Jim Justice announced Monday that the recent statewide ban on all types of outdoor burning is over.

Standard spring burning season laws and regulations are in effect.

Burning forestland, grass, grain, stubble, slash, debris, or other materials is allowed only from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Small fires set for the purpose of preparing food or providing light or warmth are permitted anytime without a burning permit, provided all grass, brush, stubble, or other debris has been removed for a minimum distance of 10 feet from the fire in all directions.
Additionally, fires must be attended to at all times, and all fires must be fully extinguished before 7 a.m. daily.

Residents caught violating these regulations face citations and fines of up to $1,000.

The original burn ban was put in place on April 17, 2023 due to expected high winds and dry conditions.

View original proclamation.

West Virginia Governor Lifts Ban On Outdoor Burning

West Virginia’s ban on outdoor burning is officially over.

Gov. Jim Justice rescinded the ban on Wednesday after the state received sufficient rainfall over the past several days.

The burning of forestland, grass and other inflammable materials is now allowed between the hours of 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Small fires for cooking, light or warmth are also allowed.

He says the fall burning season usually starts on Oct. 1 but was postponed due to drought conditions that caused the governor to declare a state of emergency. The state of emergency is still in effect, and the governor is asking the public to limit water usage.