This morning, the Lebanon County Commissioners approved a county-wide burn ban, set to take effect at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 27, 2024. The ban will remain in effect for 30 days, automatically expiring at 12:00 p.m. on November 26, 2024.
The resolution, which will soon be available for viewing on the Lebanon website, will read as follows:
WHEREAS, severe dry conditions have existed for a substantial period of time and are forecasted to remain dry for the foreseeable future, resulting in a much higher potential for wildfires; and
WHEREAS, there has been an increase in uncontrolled wildfires requiring significant fire department resources to extinguish; and
WHEREAS, the County, with the support of the majority of the municipal fire chiefs, has identified the need to take action to reduce the threat to life and property; and
WHEREAS, §13201 of the County Code authorizes the County to impose a temporary County-wide ban on open fires: Act of October 24, 1995, P.L. 332, No. 52 P.S. § 13201; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that a temporary county-wide burn ban will be in effect commencing at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 27th, 2024, prohibiting open burning.
“Open burning” is defined as the ignition and subsequent burning of any combustible material (garbage, leaves, grass, twigs, litter, paper, vegetative matter involved with land clearing, or any sort of debris) out-of-doors, either in a burn barrel or on the ground.
The use of propane or gas stoves, charcoal briquette grills, or the use of tobacco in any form is not covered under county burn bans. Campfires are allowed in the fire rings that confine and contain the campfire in a designated state, federal, or Department of Environmental Protection licensed campground.
The resolution shall be enforced by any sworn police officer, including the Pennsylvania State Police. Any person who violates the provisions of this Resolution commits a summary offense and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second offense, and $300 for the third offense.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this temporary County-wide burn ban on outdoor burning will be in effect for thirty (30) days, expiring at 12:00 p.m. on November 26th, 2024, unless extended or rescinded prior to the expiration.
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- Never leave a fire unattended.
- If you must use fireworks, make sure you do so in a responsible manner.
- Keep other combustible materials far away from outdoor fires. FEMA recommends a 25-foot safety zone around the fire.
- Aways be aware of embers or sparks leaving the fire.
- Keep a close eye on the daily wildfire danger maps and adjust your outdoor fire-related activities accordingly. Maps can be found at https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Communities/Wildfire/Pages/default.aspx
- Make sure you know the local laws governing outdoor burning, including municipal-level ordinances.