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| March 9, 2010 |
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PRESS RELEASE Contact Information: David Layman, Fire – EMS Chief Office: (804)633-9831 or email: dlayman@co.caroline.va.us Caroline County Department of Fire and Rescue Reminds Residents of State and Local Open Burning Regulations FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 8, 2010 Caroline, Virginia – With the passing of the recent snows, its hard to remember that spring forest fire season is once again upon us. Soon wet weather will yield the way to March winds making for dry conditions and increased fire risks. The Caroline County Department of Fire and Rescue would like to remind residents that we are currently under our annual spring statewide outdoor burning restrictions. Each February 15th through April 30th the Virginia Department of Forestry enacts regulations prohibiting open burning before 4:00 PM each day if the fire is in, or within 300 feet of, woodland, brushland or fields containing dry grass or other flammable materials. All burning during this period must end by midnight. All burns must be attended. Caroline County also has year-round regulatory ordnances that apply to open burning. In Caroline, residents are allowed to burn yard waste (leaves, trimmings, etc.). Residents burning within 300 feet of an occupied structure must obtain the neighbors permission before burning. Additionally, residents must notify the County’s 911 Dispatch Center at 804-633-5555. This notification reduces the likelihood of false alarm responses by fire companies. No burn permits are required for open residential burning. Larger burns of debris waste from property maintenance or construction are also allowed. The responsible parties may burn provided they are at least 500 feet from any occupied building unless the occupants have given prior permission. They must also notify the County’s 911 Dispatch Center. They must obtain an open burn permit from the County Department of Planning prior to burning. There is no charge for this permit. A representative from the Department of Fire and Rescue will make a visit to evaluate the site and offer advice for safe burning. At no time may citizens openly burn items such as old tires, used oil, roofing shingles, or other petroleum based materials. These items give off toxic fumes and pollute waterways. For more information on open burning, contact the Department of Fire-Rescue & Emergency Management at (804) 633-9831. ### |