Emergency Outdoor Burning Ban Enacted In Bath And Highland Counties

Bath and Highland Counties, VA – Bath and Highland Counties have both declared a local emergency and have issued a ban on open outside burning in effect until further notice. This emergency declaration prohibits burning of any kind and includes any type of debris or material, as well as yard waste such as leaves, brush, stumps and limbs.

In addition to the outdoor burning ban in Highland County, the burning pit at the county landfill is also closed until further notice. Allegheny County, which already has several wildfires burning, has also declared a ban on all outdoor burning.

There is currently significant wildfire danger due to extremely dry conditions. The fire occurrence conditions in Bath and Highland Counties are at a very high level. This means that fires start readily, spread quickly and resistance to control is high; there is potential for large fires.

Grass and brush are vulnerable to rapid fire spread. Keep all debris away from houses and other structures. Be sure to completely extinguish smoking materials before discarding them. Any sign of fire should be reported immediately by calling 911. For information on the burning ban in Bath County, contact Bath County Emergency Services Coordinator Andy Seabolt at 540-839-7236. Highland County Emergency Services Coordinator Harley Gardner can be reached at 540-292-0456.