Hanover bans all open-air burning due to extremely dry, hazardous conditions

HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Hanover County has prohibited all open-air burning in the county as of Thursday due to extremely dry conditions.

In a June 27 Facebook post, the Hanover County Fire-EMS Department announced a county-wide prohibition on any and all open-air burning due to existing and forecasted drought conditions.

Earlier this week, on June 24, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality issued either a drought warning or drought watch advisory for all localities across the Commonwealth. Hanover is one of the 95 counties and cities under a drought watch.

“Forest lands, brushlands and fields have become extremely dry, creating a significant fire hazard across the county,” the department said in its post. “As a result, the Hanover County Fire Marshal has declared a county-wide ban on all open burning.”

The ban will remain in effect until conditions improve. According to fire officials, the ignition or maintenance of any open fire during the duration of the ban is unlawful. This includes the burning of brush, grass, leaves, trash, debris or any other flammable material.

“Remember, fires can start from something as simple as improperly disposing of a cigarette, burning brush in a backyard, or having a campfire,” the department said.

Fire officials added that they are working closely with community partners to ensure safe commercial fireworks displays for the Fourth of July.

For more information on the county code that allows for such a burn prohibition, click here .

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