Chester County Declares Countywide Open Burn Ban
30-Day Ban Begins Sunday,
October 27, 2024
WEST CHESTER, PA – October 26, 2024 – At an emergency meeting convened by the Chester County
Department of Emergency Services, the Chester County Commissioners have
declared a countywide 30-day open burn ban, effective Sunday, October 27, 2024.
The County declaration comes at the recommendation of Department of
Emergency Services leaders and county fire officials, based on current and
forecasted weather conditions, as well as the recent increase in brush fires
across the county.
Chester County Department of Emergency Services Director Bill Messerschmidt
said, “Wildfire potential is currently very high throughout the county because
of the drought, winds, dry fuels and fluctuating temperatures. This
temporary open burn ban will significantly help to alleviate pressure on our
fire services, and we are asking all residents and businesses to honor and
adhere to it, especially when it comes to the seasonal burning of leaves and
yard waste.”
The open burn ban includes open burning of any combustible
material outdoors in either a burn barrel (screened or unscreened), fire ring,
fire pit, or on the ground. This includes the burning of garbage, leaves,
grass, twigs, litter, paper and vegetation from land which has been cleared.
“The lack of rainfall, low humidity, and sunny and windy days have
increased the chances of forest and brush fires, and our emergency responders
have seen an increase in brush fires over the past few weeks. Current weather
forecasts show that a high fire danger will continue across Chester County and
the southeast region,” added Messerschmidt.
All county first responder leaders have been informed of the open
burn ban including the County Fire Chief and Police Chief associations,
municipal fire marshals, municipal emergency management coordinators and the PA
State Police Troop J.
Per the County declaration, all open burning is banned
until Monday, November 24, 2024.
