MORGANTOWN — Gov. Jim Justice has ended the statewide burning ban.
Standard fall burring season laws now go into effect, he said in the press release announcing his proclamation.
The statewide drought prompted the ban, issued Sept. 20 and amended Sept. 23. While southern West Virginia remains under drought conditions, he said, the past several days of rainfall have been sufficient to lift the ban.
The fall burning season runs through Dec. 31. The burning of forestland, grass, grain, stubble, slash, debris, or other inflammable materials is allowed from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Small fires set for preparing food or providing light or warmth are permitted anytime without a burning permit, provided all grass, brush, stubble, or other debris has been removed for a minimum distance of 10 feet from the fire in all directions.
Fires must be attended at all times and must be fully extinguished before 7 a.m. daily.
Justice noted that the statewide drought prompted him to also declare a State of Emergency for all 55 counties on Oct. 3. It remains in effect.
As part of the continued State of Emergency, residents are asked to comply with several voluntary guidelines:
— Cease non-agricultural irrigation, including for strictly recreational purposes.
— Limit washing or cleaning vehicles and/or structures where not otherwise required by law.
— Limit use of public drinking water systems to minimal standards for good personal hygiene, food preparation, laundry, livestock, and pets, and other reasonable purposes.
— Cease the filling of private swimming pools.
