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Wicomico Extends Burn Ban, Wildfire Season Warning in Virginia

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Wicomico County has extended its ban on outdoor burning.

County officials exemption from the emergency measure include gas charcoal grills and the staging of fireworks displays.

WBOC reports that recreation campfires on private property and public campgrounds are okay.

But those camp fires cannot be more than 2 feet wide and 3 feet high.

Campfires at Roaring Point and Sandy Hill will be permitted but monitored.

Any violation of the ban could result in a $500 fine for each incident.

Governor Ralph Northam (D-Va)
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Governor Ralph Northam (D-VA)

Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Virginia officials are warning residents about what could be one of the most severe wildfire seasons in years.

On Tuesday, Gov. Ralph Northam announced the start of the fall wildfire season in Virginia, which runs through Nov. 30.

Most of Virginia faces an increased risk of wildfires due to dry weather conditions, extended periods of below-average rainfall and record-high temperatures.

Currently, 39 localities have initiated burn bans. Residents are encouraged to check with their local sheriff or county administrator's office before having any outdoor fire.

People burning trash or debris remains the top cause of wildfires in Virginia. State officials are urging residents to avoid burning on windy days, keep burn piles small, have water and tools nearby, and never leave a fire unattended.

Don Rush is the News Director and Senior Producer of News and Public Affairs at Delmarva Public Media. An award-winning journalist, Don reports major local issues of the day, from sea level rise, to urban development, to the changing demographics of Delmarva.