An enhanced burn ban is back in effect in Jefferson County, and the state Department of Natural Resources has banned burning on all lands it manages, officials announced Tuesday.
The change in Jefferson County, which means no ground-level burning of any kind is allowed, follows Natural Resources’ recent increase of the fire danger level to very high/extreme.
Barbecue grills, both charcoal and propane-powered, are still allowed in Jefferson County under the enhanced burn ban, which was ordered by Jefferson County Fire Marshal and East Jefferson Fire-Rescue Assistant Chief Brian Tracer.
East Jefferson Fire-Rescue Chief Gordon Pomeroy said in the press release issued Tuesday afternoon that the enhanced burn ban will extend until at least Sept. 30.
“We are one poor decision away from a serious fire,” Pomeroy said.
Natural Resources expanded its burn ban to cover its lands in the entire state in response to multiple wildfires and communities seeing dense layers of smoke, according to Tuesday’s press release.
The statewide ban means outdoor burning is prohibited on all forestlands that Natural Resources protects from wildfire.
Anyone caught violating the Natural Resources burn ban can face fines.
Burn restrictions on federally-owned lands, such as national forests, national parks, national wildlife refuges or other areas are administered by federal agencies.
On Labor Day, Natural Resources firefighters responded to 21 new fire starts.
Fireworks and incendiary devices, such as exploding targets, sky lanterns or tracer ammunition, are always illegal on all Natural Resources-protected forestlands.
