West Virginia's fall forest fire season, which starts today, will run through Dec. 31. West Virginia Division of Forestry officials remind residents that during these three months, daytime burning is prohibited from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Outdoor burning is permitted only between the hours of 5 p.m. and 7 a.m.
State law requires a ring or safety strip, cleared of all burnable material and at least 10 feet wide, around all outdoor fires to keep them from spreading into the woods.
Additional requirements of the state's fire laws include staying on-site until the fire is extinguished and burning only vegetative materials like leaves, brush and yard clippings. West Virginia residents can contact local city government offices for possible burning ordinances when burning within city limits.
The Division of Forestry offers additional tips for safe outdoor burning, such as to put debris in several small piles instead of one large one, and never burn on dry, windy days. Officials also encourage residents to have water and tools on hand to extinguish anything that may escape the burn area.
Anyone who starts a fire that escapes and causes a wildfire or forest fire is subject to fines ranging from $100 to $1,000. An additional civil penalty of $200 also will be assessed.
Burning permits that allow burning during the restricted hours may be obtained by public utilities and people burning in conjunction with commercial, manufacturing, mining or like activities. The permits cost $125 each and are issued by local Division of Forestry offices.
To find out more about West Virginia's burning laws and where to obtain a burning permit, visit www. wvforestry.com.