IT’S HOT


South Boston News

Halifax County officials issued a county wide burning ban late Tuesday afternoon which became effective immediately.

Residents may not burn trash, brush or debris until the ban is lifted, Emergency Service Coordinator Kirby Saunders explained Tuesday after announcing the new regulation.

Earlier in the day Saunders said he had been in meetings with Halifax County Administrator George Nester and several members of county fire departments and the forestry department.

“We have seen an increase in the number of brush fires reported over the past several days,” he said, mentioning one that had occurred off Bold Springs Road on Monday and another reported on Tuesday in the Cluster Springs community.

The ban reads “It shall be unlawful, when forest lands, fields and brushlands of this county have become so dry or parched as to create an extraordinary fire hazard endangering lives and property, for any person to burn leaves, grass, brush, debris or materials of any type therein or to ignite or maintain any open fire nearer than 300 feet from such forest lands, fields or brushland containing inflammable vegetation.

“In addition to destruction of property, extinquishment in these conditions places emergency responders at an increased risk,” the ban says.

“The ground is so parched and the grass has just dried up,” Saunders said, noting that he had not seen any weather reports that were forecasting rain in the near future.

Anyone having questions about the ban should call Saunders at (434) 476-6061. They should also report any fires promptly to the emergency center at 911.

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