By Governor Earl Ray Tomblin
We often hear stories on the evening news and read articles in national newspapers about areas of our country that have experienced devastation caused by wildfires. This August, West Virginia’s Division of Forestry wild land firefighting crew traveled across the country assisting with wildfire suppression efforts at the Klamath National Forest Beaver Fire in California. After spending two weeks fighting the wildfire alongside other crews from across the country, the crew safely returned home.
In many cases, wildfires can be caused by natural occurrences, but in West Virginia, more than half of all forest fires were caused by a fire lit on purpose. Escaped debris fires were the second highest cause of forest fires in the Mountain State causing one-fourth of all wildfires. This spring, 798 fires burned nearly 12,000 acres of land.
West Virginia’s Division of Forestry protects nearly 12 million acres of forests across the Mountain State, and our foresters are committed to protecting our state’s resources for years to come. To help support this effort, the Division encourages all West Virginians to remember a few of simple steps to stay safe when starting a small outdoor fire.
Know your state laws. In West Virginia, October 1 through December 31 is fall forest fire season. During these three months, daytime burning of brush or other materials is prohibited from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Outdoor burning is permitted only between the hours of 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. During the fall season, it’s safer to burn material during evening hours when temperatures are lower, winds are calmer and humidity is higher.
West Virginia state law also requires the creation of a safety strip or barrier around outdoor fires to ensure they do not spread. No matter what you’re burning-leaves, brush or yard clippings-always remember to stay-on site until the fire is completely extinguished.
Be mindful! When planning a small outdoor fire, select a safe place away from overhead power lines, phone lines or other obstructions and where fire cannot spread into the woods or weedy areas. Clear at least a 10-foot area around the fire and make sure the area is clear of all burnable materials. Put debris in several small piles instead of one large one. Never burn on dry or windy days. Have water and tools on hand to extinguish anything that may escape the burn area.
West Virginia’s forests, rolling hills and lush landscapes are what make our state truly wild and wonderful. Do your part to protect our state’s forests. As our friend Smokey Bear says, “Only you can prevent wildfires.”
For more information about preventing wildfires in West Virginia, visit the Division of Forestry’s website at www.wvforestry.com.
