Rainfall Causes Officials to Lift Burn Ban

By WYDaily Staff Tuesday, October 05, 2010

That 10 inches of rain the area endured last week improved the parched landscape so a burn ban could be lifted.

Both York and James City counties put a burn ban in place Sept. 17 after conditions became perilously dry. Also that day, James City firefighters joined Virginia Department of Forestry officials in fighting a brush fire that began at Freedom Park. Cause of that fire, which closed the park for a few days and damaged several acres, remains under investigation.

The burn ban had applied to all fires, including burn barrels, recreational fires and fires in established firepits in both campgrounds and on private property.

All applicable state and local open burning laws still apply. Residents in York County who have questions about what is allowed should call the Department of Fire and Life Safety weekdays between 8:15 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 890-3600.

In James City, citizens should call 220-0626.