Collegiate Times

The open-air burning ban in Montgomery County was lifted Friday after being imposed for three weeks. Persistent dry, windy conditions forced county officials to institute the ban on March 9. The ban was lifted as a result of recent rain and higher humidity.

“We have had a significant amount of rain lately, which has caused what is known as ‘green up,’” said Neil Turner, Montgomery County Emergency Services Coordinator. “The grasses have become greener due to the moisture.”

Virginia state law only permits controlled outdoor burning after 4 p.m. from mid-February through the end of April. After April 30, burning is permitted at any time of day.

“After 4 p.m., the humidity is at a better level to ensure that burning does not rapidly spread,” Turner explained. “Also, winds normally die down after 4 p.m.”

Montgomery County does not permit the burning of any types of solid waste other than tree limbs and brush at any time of year. The lifting of this ban does not affect Blacksburg, which has stricter rules year-round.

“Blacksburg has an ordinance stating that no burning can occur without a permit,” said Wayne Garst of the Blacksburg Fire Department. “This gives us more control when somebody sees smoke; we have a better idea of what it is. We also get complaints from people who are allergic to smoke or have asthma.”

Getting a burn permit in Blacksburg requires a resident to contact the Fire Department and show the department what the resident intends to burn. There is no charge for the permit, but burning cannot take place without it. Christiansburg also requires permits year-round.

“If (the resident) lets us know about a burn, when we have people calling in a possible brush fire, we can tell them that it is just a controlled burn,” said Dispatcher Fay Duncan of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.