Providing a FIRST CHOICE community through excellence in public service

Chesterfield County, Virginia Department of Public Affairs

9901 Lori Road, Room 500 – P.O. Box 40 – Chesterfield, VA 23832

Phone: (804) 748-1161 – Fax: (804) 748-7609 – Internet: chesterfield.gov

DON J. KAPPEL

Director

September 22, 2010 For immediate release

BRUSH FIRE RISKS REMAINS HIGH DUE TO DRY CONDITIONS

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, VA – The Chesterfield County Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services is reminding residents that open burning remains unlawful in Chesterfield County during the months of May, June, July, August and September. This includes yard debris, brush and leaves. Due to the lack of precipitation and higher than normal temperatures, the Chesterfield Fire Marshal’s Office will not be issuing any open burning permits when the burn ban expires at the end of September. Dry conditions and warm temperatures have greatly increased the fire risk in Chesterfield County and it will take a significant rain event and increased relative humidity to improve fuel moisture conditions. If we do not receive substantial rain soon, the Fire Marshal will approach the County Board of Supervisors at its November meeting to ban the normal leaf burning in the county that is allowed November 15 – December 15 each year. Everyone is asked to take extra precautions to prevent fires when participating in all types of outdoor activities. We are seeing an increase in mulch fires and fires in the medians of roadways caused by discarded cigarettes. We urge everyone to ensure that all smoking materials are disposed of properly in an approved cigarette waste receptacle. Citizens are encouraged to immediately call 911 when smoke or flames are spotted. For more information, contact Lt. Jason Elmore at (804) 748-1426.

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