Continued dry conditions prompted Henry County Administrator Tim Hall on Friday to issue an immediate ban of all outdoor burning within Henry County, as authorized by Henry County Code Sec. 9-202.
Unusually dry weather conditions have created a high risk of wildfires; therefore, effective at noon Sept. 27, outdoor burning is prohibited until further notice. The only exception 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. For more information, contact the Fire Marshal’s Office or go online at www.hcdps.com.
The National Weather Service forecasters expect these extreme conditions to continue into the near future, with only a slight chance of precipitation during that period. This will contribute to the county’s already challenging firefighting conditions.
The cumulative effects of successive weeks of high temperatures and little rainfall have significantly elevated the fire danger throughout the county.
“Henry County hasn’t seen this level of fire danger since our last burn ban in November 2016,” said Henry County Fire Marshal Lisa Garrett. “Conditions are dangerous, and we need everyone to understand the seriousness of this issue. We need this ban for everyone’s protection.”
Residents are asked to cooperate by adhering to this ban until it is rescinded. Failing to comply with this ban may result in criminal charges.
Contact the Fire Marshal’s office at (276) 634-4660 with questions.
