
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, November 11, 1994                   TAG: 9411110072
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: CATHRYN MCCUE
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

OPEN FIRES PROHIBITED IN NATIONAL FORESTS

The U.S. Forest Service has banned open burning in the Jefferson and George Washington national forests because of extremely dry conditions and the potential for forest fires.

The ban, which includes campfires and camp stoves, supports a similar move by the state Department of Forestry, which Wednesday banned all open fires west of U.S. 29.

Warm temperatures, fresh leaf fall and unseasonably low humidity have caused a significant increase in fires, the Forest Service said.

The ban will remain in effect until the forest receives enough rainfall to minimize danger.

Violations are punishable by fines of up to $5,000 or six months in prison.

by CNB