July 6, 2010 (ROANOKE COUNTY) — Due to the lack of rainfall and severe dry conditions, Roanoke County is banning all campfires and reminding residents of the region’s burning ban established by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality(VDEQ) on all open burning.

Several years ago, the VDEQ established the Western Virginia Emissions Control Area, which includes Roanoke County and town of Vinton, Botetourt County, Frederick County, Roanoke City, Salem City and Winchester City. Each year burning is prohibited in the Western Virginia Emissions Control Areas during the months of May, June, July, August and September. Campfires have been the only exception to the burning restriction.

Throughout the year, the Roanoke County Fire Marshal’s Office regulates all open burning and ensures County compliance with state agency burning regulations by requiring a permit for anyone in Roanoke County requesting to burn. Campfires are exempt from the burn permit process.

Due to the severe dry conditions and three reported outside fires over the July Fourth holiday weekend, the Fire Marshal’s Office is banning all campfires until further notice. Once the County has received significant rainfall, the ban will be lifted and notification to the public will be made. In summary, this means that no open burning is allowed at this time in Roanoke County.