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Though it may seem as though it has rained enough in our region over the past month or so that the ground will never dry out, it will. Eventually. Meanwhile, the change in humidity and all those crisp fall breezes we love so much mean it is time once again for fall fire season in West Virginia.
It begins officially Thursday and continues through Dec. 31, according to the state Division of Forestry, as the accumulation of dry leaves on the ground are perfect fuel for a wildfire. Those same leaves and other fall yard debris may be the reason you are tempted to strike up a burn pile or bonfire. If you do so, it must be between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m.
According to the division, debris burning is the state's most common cause of wildfires.
"Fall fire season is a critical time for forest protection in West Virginia," said Jeremy Jones, director and state forester. "With autumn leaves covering the ground and lower humidity during the day, even a small campfire or debris burn can quickly escape control. Escaped debris fires remain our leading cause of wildfires, but they are entirely preventable."
In addition to sticking to the allowed timeframe, fires must also be attended at all times (and completely extinguished if they are not -- for any length of time), and kept inside a cleared ten-foot safety strip.
Equipment must be operated with an adequate spark arrestor, if applicable.
Failure to follow these rules could lead not just to the destruction of valuable forest and personal property. West Virginians know all too well, it can have deadly consequences.
"We ask all West Virginians to follow the state's burning laws, limit burning to the evening hours, and take every precaution to help us safeguard our communities and forestland," Jones said.
Add to that the safeguarding of those who are forced to fight these fires for us, and you've got all the reason you need to follow the rules.