Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, November 13, 1994 TAG: 9411140103
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: D4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: LISA APPLEGATE
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
Epperly said his department has responded to more than 30 open-fire calls since the ban was declared Wednesday.
"People need to know this is not a good time to burn, even after 4 p.m. Not until we get wet weather," he said.
The U.S. Department of Forestry announced the ban after this fall's warm temperatures and unseasonably low humidity caused a significant increase in fires.
The U.S. Forest Service followed suit Thursday, banning fires in the Jefferson and George Washington national forests.
Riner firefighter David Dunkin said that while his department hasn't been swamped with open-fire calls, it has had its share.
"We've had a few runs. We go talk to them, let them know about the ban. ... If there's any doubt [that the fire may spread], we just put it out right then," he said.
In Radford, firefighter Guy Stump said his department put out an open fire Saturday afternoon. The person burning leaves near his home told Stump he wasn't aware of any ban.
Until some precipitation falls in this area, a fire within 300 feet of any forest, brushland or field containing dry grass or other flammable material is banned.
Violations are punishable by fines of up to $5,000 or six months in jail.
by CNB