West Virginia bans outdoor burning statewide

Nov. 4—CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Continuing dry conditions prompted West Virginia Jim Justice on Monday to issue a statewide burning ban.

The purpose of the ban is to reduce the risk of wildfires due to dry weather conditions, low water levels in communities and fire activity, Justice said in a news release.

The ban will be in effect until circumstances improve, officials said.

The ban makes it unlawful for any person in the state to engage in outdoor burning, including fires built for camping, the burning of debris or warming.

The following items are excluded from the restrictions:

—Fires for the purpose of chemical production, where fire is essential to operation.

—Fires for commercial land-clearing, such as mining, highway construction, and development: Provided, that a permit is obtained from the Division of Forestry prior to burning.

—Fires for outdoor cooking conducted for fund-raising events and charitable organizations: Provided, that a water source capable of extinguishing the fire must be present and a permit is obtained from the Division of Forestry prior to the operation.

—Liquid fueled gas grills, lanterns or liquid-fueled gas fire stoves.