Dry conditions cause brush fires to blaze in Mercer County

PRINCETON, WV (WVNS) – There is an uptick of brush fries in Mercer County.

The Mercer County Office of Emergency Management tracked 5 brush fires within the past week.

Brush fires are not normally an issue until fire season begins in October, but with the dry weather we are experiencing, these fires are more likely to start.

Although it is technically still legal to burn in West Virginia, Keith Gunnoe, the Floodplain Manager at the Mercer County Office of Emergency Management told 59News that it is best to cool things off for a while.

“You should use caution. If it’s a day the wind’s blowing, don’t burn. Honestly I wouldn’t suggest anyone burning right now. Even though it’s legal to do so, I wouldn’t suggest it until we get some rainfall,” said Gunnoe.

Gunnoe also advised that if you are starting a fire, that it must be attended at all times.

You should also make a ten foot circle around that pile of brush with no combustible material within that radius.

If these fires get out because people aren’t abiding by these rules, the responsibility is on the property owner.

The West Virginia Division of Forestry will issue tickets to those who do not abide by these rules.

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