Chester County commissioners this week voted to extend the county-wide open burning ban for an additional 30 days.
“A small amount of rainfall will not alleviate fire danger across the county,” a press release said.
The extension to the burn ban comes at the recommendation of the Chester County Department of Emergency Services, and the District Forester, on behalf of the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
The county resolution notes that the burn ban be extended for 30 days from Nov. 26, due to the serious threat to life and property the fire potential poses.
“Emergency measures must continue to reduce the severity of this danger in order to protect the health, safety, welfare, and property of the citizens of Chester County,” the press release read.
Chester County Department of Emergency Services Director Bill Messerschmidt said in the release, “While we have recently had some rain, the small amounts do not move the needle. Small brush, grass, and branches, which are what catch fire most easily, dry out very quickly.
“We need a combination of sustained rain and high moisture content in the air. If the relative humidity does not stay high then small fuels – kindling – will quickly dry up and present high fire potential again. We implore all residents and businesses to honor and adhere to this open burn ban, especially when it comes to the seasonal burning of leaves and yard waste.”
The open burn ban includes open burning of any combustible material outdoors in either a burn barrel (screened or unscreened), fire ring, fire pit, or on the ground. This includes the burning of garbage, leaves, grass, twigs, litter, paper, and vegetation from land that has been cleared.
Per the county declaration, all open burning is banned until Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024, unless rescinded before that date.
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