Chester County Extends Countywide Open Burn Ban

At this week's Public Meeting, the Chester County Board of Commissioners approved Resolution BOC-57-24, extending the countywide open burn ban by 30 days. The extension to the burn ban comes at the recommendation of the Chester County Department of Emergency Services, and the District Forester, on behalf of the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The County Resolution notes that the burn ban be extended for 30 days from November 26, 2024, due to the serious threat to life and property the fire potential poses. Specifically, "Emergency measures must continue to reduce the severity of this danger in order to protect the health, safety, welfare and property of the citizens of Chester County."

Chester County Department of Emergency Services Director Bill Messerschmidt said, "While we have recently had some rain, the small amounts do not move the needle. Small brush, grass and branches, which are what catch fire most easily, dry out very quickly.

"We need a combination of sustained rain and high moisture content in the air. If the relative humidity does not stay high then small fuels - kindling - will quickly dry up and present high fire potential again. We implore all residents and businesses to honor and adhere to this open burn ban, especially when it comes to the seasonal burning of leaves and yard waste."

The open burn ban includes open burning of any combustible material outdoors in either a burn barrel (screened or unscreened), fire ring, fire pit, or on the ground. This includes the burning of garbage, leaves, grass, twigs, litter, paper and vegetation from land which has been cleared.

Per the County declaration, all open burning is banned until Thursday, December 26, 2024, unless rescinded prior to that date.