Open Air Burn Ban issued in Front Royal, Warren County

WARREN COUNTY, Va. ( DC News Now) — Officials have announced that, in an order from the Fire Marshal, an open-air burn ban has been issued throughout Front Royal and Warren County. The ban went into effect on July 15 and will remain until further notice.

Warren County officials said the ban was issued under the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code due to extreme atmospheric and drought conditions.

Until the ban is lifted, residents should not kindle, maintain or authorize any open burning, including bonfires, ceremonial fires, camping fires and barrel fires.

The ban does not prohibit the use of barbecue grills, smokers or any device that emits smoke through a chimney or stock.

The Warren County Fire and Rescue Department said over the past several weeks, first responders saw an increase in outside fire incidents and several fires originated outside of the home causing significant damage.

Officials are encouraging residents to do the following:

• Do not discard cigarettes from moving vehicles; use ashtrays. With the conditions we have now, lit cigarettes do cause fires and can be disastrous in times of drought and high fire risk.
• When pulling off the side of the road, stay off of dry grass areas. Park vehicles so that the exhaust does not come in contact with dry grass, leaves or weeds.
• Adjust the safety chains on your trailers to ensure they don’t drag and create sparks that can cause roadside fires.
• Avoid cooking outdoors during this drought season. If you do cook, never leave barbeque grills unattended. Place your grill on concrete or your driveway away from your home or any structures. If using charcoal or wood, make sure that the fire has been extinguished by soaking it with a garden hose before disposing of the coals.
• Check lawnmowers and farm equipment for properly working spark arresters.
• Mow your lawn at least 30 to 50 feet away from your house and water to create defensible space.
• Cut back or remove any dry and dead landscaping plants or bushes around your home. Clear leaves from your roof and gutters; rake them away from the sides of your home.
• Move anything that will burn far away from structures, items like firewood, compost piles, brush piles, etc.
• Notify the electric company when dead trees or overhanging limbs endanger the electric wires.

The department said violating the ban may be punishable as a class 1 misdemeanor resulting in jail time of up to a year and a fine of up to $2,500.

The Department of Fire and Rescue Services, Office of Emergency Management and the County of Warren will continue to monitor the conditions.

The Town of Front Royal has also instituted voluntary water conservation efforts for all municipal water system users.

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