Due to continued dry conditions, Henry County Administrator Dale Wagoner has issued an immediate ban of all outdoor burning within the county.
Unusually dry weather conditions have created a high risk of wildfires; therefore, effective November 8, ALL outdoor burning is prohibited until further notice. The ONLY exceptions to the ban are covered gas, electric or charcoal barbecue grills/smokers and manufactured outdoor wood furnaces. Under certain circumstances, a permit for outside fires during the burn ban can be obtained.
Contact the Fire Marshal’s Office or visit www.hcdps.com online for more information.
The National Weather Service forecasters expect these extreme conditions to continue into the near future, with only a slight chance for precipitation during that period. This will contribute to the county’s already challenging firefighting conditions. The effects of successive weeks of very little rainfall have significantly elevated our fire danger throughout the county.
“Henry County, along with adjoining jurisdictions, are at a high level of fire danger,” said Lisa Garrett, Henry County Fire Marshal. “Conditions are dangerous, and we need everyone to understand the seriousness of this issue. We need this ban for everyone’s protection.”
Citizens are asked to cooperate by adhering to the ban until it is rescinded. Failure to comply may result in criminal charges.
Call the Fire Marshal’s Office at (276) 634-4660 with questions.
