NEWSFLASH UPDATE 11/19/2007:
BURNING BAN LIFTED as of 11-15-2007, but Forestry officials continue to stress
that lifting the ban does not mean the threat of wildfire is gone. Please be careful if using an open flame. Battery operated or chemical (glow sticks) illumination are the safest, therefore still the most recommended luminary option.
ONLY USE ShareYourLightNight
approved luminaries as shown below.
(battery operated tea lights).
Be sure to inform all of your residents and neighbors of the following message.
Updated Oct. 29, 2007 — Governor Kaine Issues Statewide Burning Ban*
* NOTE: the burn ban will be in effect until further notice
Under the FAQ page, this question is posed: Can LUMINARIES be used for holiday decorations? The answer: No.
LUMINARIES are a traditional holiday decoration in many homes and neighborhoods where a votive- type candle flame is set within a sand weighted paper bag and placed outdoors to light a walkway or other decoration. Candle LUMINARIES are considered an open flame – fire, and therefore not allowed if these candles are within 300 feet of grass, leaves, woods or other flammable material that is capable of igniting a fire. It would be a violation of the ban on open burning. A highly recommended alternative would be to use electric or battery-operated lights or chemical glow sticks instead of candles.
Governor Timothy M. Kaine declared a statewide emergency and enacted a ban on open fires beginning Friday, October 19. The statewide burning ban is the result of drought conditions that have created a serious risk of widespread and dangerous forest fires in every region of the Commonwealth.
“We have looked at all the current data and reviewed the projections for the fall fire season, and everything points to a significant threat to public safety,” said Governor Kaine. “I have declared a state of emergency to exist within the Commonwealth to try to minimize the risk of forest fires that could threaten lives and property.”
The burn ban will remain in effect until existing weather conditions improve with significant rain or snow. Violation of the law is a Class 3 misdemeanor with a fine of not more than $500.