Oak Hill Fire Department officials urge caution when burning during dry weather

OAK HILL, WV (WVNS) — Hot, dry weather means increases the chance of brush fires in southern West Virginia.

Robert Begley, the assistant fire chief at Oak Hill Fire Department, said on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, that there are precautions which should be taken when citizens have controlled burns this summer, particularly when the wind is high and during dry weather.

Begley said, although all counties may not have the requirement, it is a good idea to notify the local county emergency operations center (EOC} before a burn to notify authorities of the time and place.

Fayette County residents are required to do so, he added.

He said it is also important to have a water hose or a bucket of water near the fire, and he advised folks to never burn when the wind is high and to never leave a fire unattended.

“It’s blowing sparks into the woods, and that’s what’s been setting the woods on fire. We’ve had several of those already,” Begley said. “But you have to just stay with it, and watch it, and be sure it doesn’t spread.”

West Virginia Forestry Division officials advise burning hours are from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Begley said authorities in some counties issue special permits for daytime burns.

He added that the nighttime burning decreases the chance of a fire spreading.

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