WEST CHESTER, PA — The Chester County Board of Commissioners has approved Resolution BOC-57-24, extending the countywide open burn ban by 30 days. The decision, formalized during this week’s Public Meeting, reflects ongoing concerns about fire hazards in the region, as highlighted by the Chester County Department of Emergency Services and the District Forester representing the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).
The resolution, which extends the ban until December 26, 2024, spotlights the serious threat to lives, property, and public safety due to persistent fire risks. It states that continued emergency measures are critical to mitigating these dangers and protecting the health and welfare of Chester County residents.
Chester County Department of Emergency Services Director Bill Messerschmidt provided an in-depth explanation of the conditions necessitating the extension. “While we have recently had some rain, the small amounts do not move the needle. Small brush, grass and branches, which are what catch fire most easily, dry out very quickly,” Messerschmidt noted.
He emphasized the need for a more favorable combination of sustained rainfall and higher atmospheric moisture to reduce the fire potential. “We need a combination of sustained rain and high moisture content in the air. If the relative humidity does not stay high, then small fuels – kindling – will quickly dry up and present high fire potential again. We implore all residents and businesses to honor and adhere to this open burn ban, especially when it comes to the seasonal burning of leaves and yard waste,” he added.
The open burn ban prohibits the outdoor burning of any combustible material, regardless of the method used. This includes burning in burn barrels (whether screened or unscreened), fire pits, fire rings, or directly on the ground. The ban specifically outlaws the burning of garbage, leaves, grass clippings, twigs, paper, litter, and vegetation removed from cleared land.
The extension will remain in effect through December 26, 2024, unless it is rescinded earlier based on improved conditions. Officials urge citizens to take the matter seriously to reduce the risk of fires, especially during a period when seasonal yard maintenance and leaf burning might otherwise increase outdoor fire activity.
This decision is part of a broader effort to address persistent dry conditions across the county. County officials and emergency management personnel stress the importance of community cooperation to minimize risks during this critical period. Residents and businesses are encouraged to explore alternative methods for disposing of yard waste while adhering to the restrictions outlined in the ban.
By extending these precautionary measures, Chester County aims to safeguard its communities from the potentially devastating effects of uncontrolled outdoor fires, reinforcing its commitment to public safety in the face of environmental challenges.
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