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