LEBANON, Pa. — The Lebanon County Board of Commissioners on Friday issued a temporary burn ban due to dry weather conditions that could lead to potential wildfires.
The 30-day, county-wide burn ban will go into effect at noon on Sunday, the commissioners said in a press release issued on Friday.
All open burning, which 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, is prohibited under the ban, the commissioners said.
The use of propane or gas stoves, charcoal grills, or tobacco in any form is not covered under the ban. Campfires are also allowed, as long as they are built inside fire rings that confine and contain the fire in designated state, federal, or Department of Environmental Protection licensed campgrounds, the commissioners said.
The commissioners said they decided to issue the ban after consulting with fire safety officials, who identified the need to take action to reduce the threat to life and property from wildfires.
The ban will be enforced by local and State Police, the commissioners said.
Anyone who violates the ban will be subject to a fine of $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second offense, and $300 for any offenses thereafter.
The ban will be in place until 12 p.m. on November 26, unless it is extended or rescinded prior to the expiration date, the commissioners said.
