WEST CHESTER, PA — In response to escalating wildfire threats, the Chester County Commissioners have enacted a 30-day ban on open burning throughout the county, effective immediately. This decisive measure follows an urgent meeting Friday by the Chester County Department of Emergency Services, prompted by recent spikes in brush fires and concerning weather forecasts.
Director of Emergency Services Bill Messerschmidt highlighted the critical factors necessitating the ban. “Wildfire potential is currently very high throughout the county because of the drought, winds, dry fuels, and fluctuating temperatures,” Messerschmidt stated. He underscored the importance of the ban in alleviating the strain on local fire services and appealed to both residents and businesses to comply, particularly regarding the seasonal disposal of leaves and yard waste.
The prohibition encompasses all outdoor burning activities, including the use of burn barrels, fire rings, fire pits, and direct ground burning. It explicitly forbids the incineration of refuse such as garbage, leaves, grass, twigs, litter, paper, and any vegetation from cleared land. This comprehensive restriction aims to mitigate the risk of igniting fires during a period of heightened danger.
The decision to impose the ban is grounded in recent meteorological patterns, which have seen a lack of rainfall, low humidity, and persistent sunny and windy conditions, all of which contribute to the increased likelihood of forest and brush fires. These adverse conditions have already resulted in a notable rise in brush fires over recent weeks, reinforcing the need for preventive action.
Coordination with local emergency services has been robust, with notifications sent to all relevant county first responder leaders, including associations of fire chiefs and police chiefs, municipal fire marshals, emergency management coordinators, and the Pennsylvania State Police Troop J. The collaboration underscores a united front in tackling the fire hazard.
The ban is slated to remain in effect until November 24, 2024, at which point officials will reassess the situation. The county’s proactive stance reflects its commitment to safeguarding its communities and natural resources from the escalating threat of wildfires.
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