The Martinsville Fire & EMS Department is reminding residents that the statewide Burn Ban goes into effect on February 15.
This ban on open-air burning before 4 p.m. is in effect through April 30, and applies to all open-air burning within 300 feet of woodland. In addition, City code 9-61 requires all open-air burning to be complete by 8 p.m.
The dangers of fires spreading during this timeframe are due to higher winds, lower relative humidity, and extremely dry fuels on the forest floor. Recreational fires are still allowed if entirely contained by a noncombustible material and covered with a metal screen containing ¼ inch or smaller openings. Please use extreme caution to remove all combustibles around the area to be burned, and all outdoor fires shall be attended to at all times. As always, the only materials allowed to be burned are paper, cardboard, leaves, and tree, yard, and garden trimmings located on the premises.
For more information on fire safety, please visit our website at martinsville-va.gov, the Va. Dept. of Forestry website, or contact the Martinsville Fire & EMS Dept. at (276) 403-5325.
