Temporary burn ban in place for Lawrence County

NEW CASTLE, Pa. (WKBN)- Lawrence County Administrator Joseph Venasco announced on Wednesday that a temporary burn ban will be in place in the county.

According to a press release, the burn ban will be in effect for 30 days, starting Friday.

The ban comes at the recommendation of the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry, which heard complaints from at least 50% of fire chiefs in the county about outdoor burning.

The press release defines open burning as the ignition and subsequent burning of any combustible material outside in either a burn barrel or fire ring, or on the ground. The press release says that campfires in campgrounds are allowed in fire rings that confine and contain the campfire, where all flammable materials have been removed in a five-foot radius.

Any police officer or Pennsylvania State Police deputy can enforce this temporary law. A person can be fined $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second offense and $300 for the third offense.

Reports said that the ban could be extended for an additional 30 days at the recommendation of the district forester.