Today Marks Start of "Fire Season;" Be Aware of Rules, Penalties and Safety Tips for Burning
By Julie Perine on October 01, 2016 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
Bridgeport Fire Captain Phil Hart wants residents to be aware that Fire Season runs today, Oct. 1 through Dec. 31.
“That means there is no burning allowed during daylight hours 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.,” he said. “And after 5 p.m., residents can burn, but if the fire escapes, they are still responsible and if burning within the city limits of Bridgeport, they need a fire permit issued by Bridgeport Fire Department at no charge.”
It is of utmost importance to refrain from burning brush when weather conditions are dry and windy and that all fires must be fully extinguished.
Fire Season coincides with the autumn season because dry leaves and grass are a good fuel source for fires and can cause one to spread rapidly on the ground.
Fall Forest Fire Season is designated statewide with the same required hours of burning across West Virginia and reinforced by the West Virginia Division of Forestry.
State law requires a safety strip to be around all outdoor fires and the strip must be cleared of burnable material and at least 10 feet wide.
Anyone who starts a fire that escapes and causes a wildfire or forest fire is subject to fines ranging from $100 to $1000. An additional civil penalty of $200 will also be assessed.
The Division of Forestry offers the following tips for safe outdoor fires:
- Clear at least a 10-foot area around the fire and make sure the area is clear of all burnable material.
- Have water and tools on hand to extinguish anything that may escape the burn area.
- Be conscientious of neighbors and do not burn debris that produces a lot of smoke at time when smoke does not rise. If smoke spreads out near the ground instead of rising, put the fire out and burn another time.
- Stay with the fire at all times until it is completely out. Leaving a fire unattended for any length of time is illegal.
- Call 911 immediately if a fire does escape.
More information can be found on the Division of Forestry’s Web site at www.wvforestry.com.
