Several Central PA Counties Have Burn Bans Due to Dry Conditions And Wind

York County

A county-wide burn ban for York County officially began on Nov. 1 and will last for 30 days.

Lebanon County

A county-wide burn ban in Lebanon County began on Oct. 27 and will last through Nov. 26.

Franklin County

In Franklin County, the Borough of Waynesboro announced a burn ban starting on Oct. 30 "until further notice".

Adams County

Oxford Township issued a burn ban on Oct. 24. that will last "until further notice," the township sad in a press release.

The township said that all open burning and burning in barrels is prohibited.

Lancaster County

Though no burn bans are in effect in Lancaster County, fire officials are still asking residents to avoid open burning,the Lincoln Fire Company Station 16 said in a Facebook post.

"Outside fires will spread rapidly in the current weather conditions. These fires can cause a lot of damage to open fields and often threaten nearby structures," the Lincoln Fire Company wrote. "These fires also take a lot of resources to bring under control."

Berks County

Countywide: In effect for 30 days starting at at 6 p.m. Nov. 2

In response to dry conditions, several municipalities in Pennsylvania have enacted burn bans to prevent wildfires. The bans prohibit residents from burning any combustible material outdoors, including garbage, leaves, grass, twigs, litter, paper, and vegetative matter involved with land clearing or any sort of debris. However, the use of propane or gas stoves, charcoal briquette grills, or the use of tobacco in any form is not covered under county burn bans. Campfires are also allowed in designated state, federal, or Department of Environmental Protection licensed campgrounds, as long as they are confined and contained within fire rings.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), 98% of wildfires in the state are a direct result of people’s actions. The DCNR also states that the greatest danger of wildfires in Pennsylvania occurs in the spring and in the fall months of October and November.

County burn bans can be put in place at the request of the district fire warden, usually the district forester, after at least 10 fire chiefs or 50 percent of the fire chiefs in the county, whichever is less, recommend and request the imposition of a temporary countywide burn ban on open fires. Any burn ban imposed under this section (Act 1995-52) shall remain in effect for no more than 30 days. County commissioners, upon recommendation of the district forester, may extend the ban for up to an additional 30 days.

Residents are advised to check with their local authorities to confirm if burning is permitted in their area. Local municipalities and county offices may have additional burning restrictions or ban information.

Links

https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Communities/Wildfire/BurnBans/Pages/default.aspx


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