| Due to recent rainfall across the state, Gov. Joe Manchin has rescinded the outdoor burning ban, effective at 5 p.m., Thursday, October 25.
"Ample amounts of rainfall have alleviated the extreme forest fire danger the state faced last week," Manchin said. "Fall is still a very dangerous time for forest fires, and I encourage everyone to continue to be very careful when using fire outdoors."
Through December 31, outdoor burning laws are in effect, prohibiting fires between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. All outdoor fires must have a safety strip for a minimum distance of 10 feet around the materials being burned.
This strip must be cleared down to the mineral soil to lessen the chances of an errant spark escaping into the woods and starting a forest fire.
All fires must be totally extinguished and not left unattended for any period of time. Anyone caught breaking the law can be charged with a misdemeanor, fined up to $300, and held liable for costs of fighting the fire and any damage the fire may have caused to others' property.
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