Timely Topics
Prescribed burning is the deliberate use of fire under specified and controlled conditions to achieve a natural resource management goal. Benefits of prescribed burning i nclude s ite p reparation for reforesting, control of hardwood seedlings in pine stands, wildfire hazard reduction, and improved wildlife and native plant habitat.
There has been an increase in interest in implementing prescribed burning and landowners should know it is an option for both open land and forest but it requires careful planning and working in concert with state and local officials.
In Rockbridge, Mitchell Kim at (540) 682-0242 with the Virginia Department of Forestry is the first point of contact for those who wish to conduct a prescribed burn on their property.
There are private contractors who work as certified burn managers who can coordinate permitting, equipment, and personnel necessary to conduct a safe and successful prescribed burn.
The Virginia Department of Forestry conducts training annually for those who wish to become certified burn managers. Applications for the course are accepted after May 1 and the course is normally held in February and early March with much of it completed online.
Certified burn managers are authorized to manage prescribed burning and can be awarded permits to conduct prescribed burns during fire season when burning is otherwise unlawful (i.e. before 4 p.m.) for private citizens.
Virginia’s statewide burning law – which prohibits outdoor burning between midnight and 4 p.m. – is in effect from Feb. 15 through April 30.
Violation of the burning law is a Class 3 misdemeanor punishable with a fine of up to $500. Those who allow fire to escape may be liable for suppression costs and any resulting property damage.
Recent snow cover and rainfall may allow us to forget wildfire risk but Virginia saw 80 wildfires burn nearly 800 acres in January, an indicator of the overall dry conditions present across Virginia.
Late winter and early spring are Virginia’s fire season because leaf litter and deadfall quickly dry out with sunshine and wind and can catch fire easily with no green plant growth present.
The 4 p.m. burning law applies to outdoor burning within 300 feet of the woods or dry grass. This includes debris burning, campfires and open-air charcoal grills like those found in parks. The law does not apply to charcoal or gas-fired barbecue grills. Some exceptions to the 4 p.m. burning law are made for campfires at Virginia State Parks.
Much of the content of this week’s column was gleaned directly from the Virginia Department of Forestry’s website, https://dof.virginia.gov/, where you can learn more about the 4 p.m. burn law and prescribed burning. -A reminder: I f you rely on a well, cistern, or spring and would like to have your water tested for mineral and bacterial content, go online to https://tinyurl.com//vahwqprb to learn about the water testing clinic sponsored at the end of February by the Rockbridge County Extension Office.
Cost of submitting a sample is $70, and if you do not have internet access, you can arrange to participate by calling the Rockbridge County Extension Office at (540) 4634734.
