Effective at 12:00PM on Tuesday, November 7, 2023
Due to the dangerously dry conditions across Franklin County and forecasted low humidity along with high wind gust, the Fire Marshal’s Office has implemented a ban on all open air burning pursuant to §8-17.b of the Code of Franklin County, Virginia. Open air burning is defined as the burning of any brush, grass, leaves, or other vegetation or any other combustible material that is not contained in an approved container or commercially constructed device that has a metal mesh spark arresting screen in place. Dry conditions currently exist outdoors that are favorable for rapid fire spread due to lack of moisture and dry fall foliage.
This ban is effective beginning at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 and will remain in effect until the current conditions improve and fire risk is significantly reduced, at which time the ban shall be lifted. A violation of this ban is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by confinement of up to 12 months in jail and/or up to a $2500 fine.
For further information please contact J.A. Pendleton, Captain/Fire Marshal, at (540) 483-3091 or email: andy.pendleton@franklincountyva.gov.