Burn bans in West Virginia
West Virginia Code §20-3-5 sets a statewide seasonal burning restriction: from March 1 through May 31 and from October 1 through December 31, open burning is prohibited between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Full state-wide bans can be issued by the Governor via emergency proclamation.
Statewide, outside of city limits with local ordinances that supersede.
Restricted hours: 07:00 – 17:00 local time
All counties in West Virginia
| county | Status | Since |
|---|---|---|
| Barbour | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Berkeley | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Boone | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Braxton | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Brooke | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Cabell | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Calhoun | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Clay | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Doddridge | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Fayette | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Gilmer | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Grant | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Greenbrier | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Hampshire | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Hancock | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Hardy | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Harrison | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Jackson | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Jefferson | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Kanawha | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Lewis | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Lincoln | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Logan | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Marion | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Marshall | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Mason | Partial Restrictions | — |
| McDowell | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Mercer | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Mineral | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Mingo | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Monongalia | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Monroe | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Morgan | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Nicholas | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Ohio | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Pendleton | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Pleasants | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Pocahontas | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Preston | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Putnam | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Raleigh | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Randolph | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Ritchie | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Roane | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Summers | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Taylor | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Tucker | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Tyler | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Upshur | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Wayne | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Webster | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Wetzel | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Wirt | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Wood | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Wyoming | Partial Restrictions | — |
How West Virginia decides
- The rule is a permanent statute — the restriction returns the same weeks every year.
- Restricted hours are 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Burning is legal outside those hours during the season.
- The Governor may issue a full state-wide ban by proclamation during severe drought.
Penalties in West Virginia
Under WV Code §20-3-5, a first violation of the fire-season restriction is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $100 to $1,000. If the fire escapes and damages property, the responsible party can be held liable for suppression costs and civil damages.
Classification: Misdemeanor · Maximum fine: $100 – $1,000
Common questions about West Virginia burn bans
Is there a burn ban in West Virginia right now?
No county-level burn ban is currently reported by West Virginia Division of Forestry for West Virginia. The statewide DEC seasonal rule may still restrict burning during certain windows. Municipal rules within a county may still apply.
How does West Virginia issue a burn ban?
West Virginia Code §20-3-5 sets a statewide seasonal burning restriction: from March 1 through May 31 and from October 1 through December 31, open burning is prohibited between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Full state-wide bans can be issued by the Governor via emergency proclamation.
When is the West Virginia burning restriction in effect?
March 1 through May 31 and October 1 through December 31, between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM local time. Today the rule is in effect.
What are the penalties for violating a burn ban in West Virginia?
Under WV Code §20-3-5, a first violation of the fire-season restriction is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $100 to $1,000. If the fire escapes and damages property, the responsible party can be held liable for suppression costs and civil damages.
burnbanradar reports the counties-level orders as published by West Virginia Division of Forestry. Municipal ordinances may impose stricter rules. When West Virginia Division of Forestry does not list a county, that does not mean no ban exists — verify with the county office. The published order governs.