West Virginia experiences defined periods of heightened wildfire risk each year, requiring specific statewide regulations to protect the state’s extensive forestland. These periods, known as fire seasons, are established by law to manage human-caused ignition risks when environmental conditions make fire spread most likely. Understanding these statutory periods and associated restrictions is necessary for residents and visitors to ensure public safety and resource protection across the state.
Defining the Official Fire Seasons in West Virginia
West Virginia recognizes two distinct periods annually designated as Forest Fire Seasons. These dates are fixed by state statute and remain in effect regardless of immediate weather conditions. The Spring Fire Season begins on March 1 and concludes on May 31, covering the three months when the landscape transitions out of winter.
The Fall Fire Season starts on October 1 and continues through December 31. These six months combined represent the timeframe when conditions for wildfire ignition and spread are most significant across the state’s nearly 12 million acres of forest. These statutory declarations trigger mandatory restrictions on open burning.
Mandatory Burning Restrictions and Regulations
During both the Spring and Fall Fire Seasons, strict time-of-day restrictions are imposed on open burning of forest land, grass, stubble, debris, or other flammable materials. State law prohibits any open burning between the hours of 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM prevailing time. This restriction targets the hours when fires are most likely to grow rapidly.
Fires are only permitted between 5:00 PM and 7:00 AM, but any fire set during this window must be completely extinguished before the 7:00 AM deadline. Any person conducting an approved burn must clear all flammable material for a distance of at least ten feet around the burn site to create a safety strip. The fire must be attended at all times until it is fully extinguished.
Small fires for food preparation or warmth are excluded from the time-of-day restrictions, provided a ten-foot clearance is maintained. Fire escape can result in liability for suppression costs and property damage.
Factors Driving West Virginia’s Fire Season Schedule
The official season dates are directly related to specific ecological shifts that increase the flammability of ground fuels. The Spring Fire Season aligns with the period before “green-up,” when new leaves emerge and the forest floor is exposed to drying winds. During this time, the previous year’s dead leaves and grasses are dry and easily ignited, and the forest canopy has not yet developed to shield the ground.
The Fall Fire Season is driven by the accumulation of dry leaf litter and curing grasses after the first frost. Daytime burning is restricted because relative humidity is typically at its lowest, and wind speeds are often highest, facilitating rapid fire spread. Burning is permitted in the evening and overnight hours because relative humidity naturally increases and winds tend to calm down, making fires easier to contain. Debris burning is cited by the West Virginia Division of Forestry as the most common cause of wildfires, accounting for approximately 35% of all occurrences over the past decade.
Resources for Current Fire Information and Reporting
The West Virginia Division of Forestry (WV DOF) is the primary state agency providing current information regarding fire danger and burning regulations. The WV DOF maintains the Daily Fire Report, an online platform offering real-time updates on active fires and current fire conditions across the state. This platform allows the public to monitor affected areas and stay informed about any temporary bans that may be declared by the Director.
In the event of an active fire or an emergency, residents should immediately call 911. For reporting violations of the burning laws or inquiring about commercial burn permits, the WV DOF should be contacted directly. Any person whose negligence causes a fire may be subject to fines and civil penalties.