Fire Dept. Declares Burn Ban in York County

By WYDaily Staff Friday, February 18, 2011

Recent weather conditions have made for some nice days, but the combination of factors giving us good, dry weather has increased the risk of fire hazards.

That's caused York County to issue an immediate county-wide ban on all fires to include leaf burning, burn barrels, recreational fires and fires in established fire pits at approved campgrounds and/or on private property.

The burn ban makes it illegal to set outdoor fires but does not prohibit the use of charcoal and/or gas grills or other outdoor cooking appliances such as propane self-contained stoves. The ban will remain in effect until environmental conditions improve.

Fire officials evaluate the county’s wildfire risk based upon factors such as wind, temperature, relative humidity and atmospheric stability. Additionally, information available from the National Weather Service and the Virginia Department of Forestry plays a major role in determining the county’s actual fire danger.

Fire officials urge all residents and visitors to be fire-wise and refrain from improperly discarding smoking materials such as cigarettes, cigars and pipe tobacco. Improperly discarded smoking materials cause numerous fires in mulch beds and along the roadside, causing property damage and placing peoples lives at risk.

Weather conditions have been abnormally dry and winds are predicted to increase by Saturday making fire conditions especially dangerous. Residents are asked to report any fire immediately to help prevent fire spread.

For additional information, please contact the York County Department of Fire and Life Safety Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:15 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 890-3600.