Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, November 10, 1994 TAG: 9411100087
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: CHARLOTTESVILLE LENGTH: Medium
Under the ban, it is illegal to have a fire within 300 feet of any forest, brushland or field containing dry grass or other flammable material. The ban affects 39 counties. Where U.S. 29 bisects a county, the entire county is included in the ban.
A forest fire burned more than 300 acres Monday and Tuesday in Page County. There were 14 small forest fires Tuesday night and 21 Wednesday, said Lou Southard, a spokesman for the Department of Forestry. Officials believe the Page County fire and several Southwest Virginia fires were set.
``This burning ban will be in effect until such time that conditions in the forests improve because of sufficient rainfall or snow,'' Southard said. He said weather patterns for the next several days across Western Virginia indicate little precipitation.
The burning ban comes as hunters prepare to take to the woods Monday for the start of big-game season. The state forester has the authority under the Forest Closure Act to stop hunting but said he was not considering doing so.
``Conditions are extremely dry, but not critical,'' Garner said. ``We are asking everyone to take extra precautions as hunting season opens. Hunters and campers need to be aware of extremely dry conditions and should not use open campfires.''
Bill Woodfin, acting director of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, said, ``We have every expectation that there will be no impact on hunting season, and that everyone will be able to enjoy themselves.''
The related misdemeanor charge carries a maximum fine of $500.
by CNB