Sunday was the start of West Virginia's fall fire season. And while it's tempting to think that means outdoor fire pits, pep rally bonfires and maybe even a crackling fire in the fireplace as chillier evenings creep in, it actually means a renewed vigilance against letting human mistakes ruin our natural treasures.
Residents are to confine their outdoor burning to 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. Fires set during that time must be put out before 7 a.m.
That crisp autumn air we love so much (and the debris piles we find more plentiful for burning at this time of year) make the risk even greater.
Fires must be attended at all times. Before leaving any fire for any length of time, the fire must be completely extinguished. Clear at least a 10-foot area (safety strip) around the fire and make sure all burnable material has been removed. Any equipment that can throw sparks and operating on land subject to fire by any cause must be provided with an adequate spark arrestor.
Failure to follow these rules could result in fines up to $1,000. And if your fire gets out of your control, you are liable for the costs of fighting the fire and any damage. That should be enough to keep most people operating within the rules. But if it is not, West Virginians have a painfully recent reminder that the cost of fighting these wildfires can include the lives of the heroic men and women willing to get that job done.
"We are asking everyone to please help us safeguard our forests from the threat of wildfire by following burning laws," said Jeremy Jones, State Forester and director of the West Virginia Division of Forestry.
Be smart and responsible about your outdoor fires. Enjoy the season.