All outside fires temporarily banned in Prince William County

the Fire Marshal’s Office is banning all outside fires commencing today, Thursday, Feb. 23 through Saturday, Feb. 25.

The weather forecast for Friday, Feb. 24 is calling for low humidity and dry conditions with high winds of 20-30 mph and gusts up to 50 mph, according to the Prince William County Fire Marshal’s office. The Fire Marshal’s has issued an alert to the community regarding the threat of fire danger, i.e. outside fires that can spread quickly and out of control escalating into multi-alarm incidents that threaten forests and structures while depleting fire and rescue resources.

These weather conditions are similar to the conditions that arose this time last year in February that produced numerous brush fires.

Due to high winds and wind gusts, the Fire Marshal’s Office urges residents to secure all outdoor furniture, trash receptacles, cooking grills, and other free-standing items that may become air born causing injury and damage if not properly secured.

The weather has been unseasonably mild this winter prompting homeowners to start early spring clean up and removal of large piles of debris such as damaged trees, shrubbery and leaves. Please note that outside burning of debris is prohibited for residential areas and the preferred method of debris removal is to have it chipped or shredded on site and/or transported to the landfill for disposal.

Most outside burn permits are limited to commercial or agriculture operations and as part of the process a comprehensive review of the operation are conducted before a permit will be approved and issued. To obtain more information or an application for a burn permit call 703-792-6360 or go to website at http://www.pwcgov.org/fire click, on Fire Marshal’s Office and click on “Burning Regulations.”