PENNSYLVANIA, USA — Editor's note: The above video is from Oct. 27.
A lack of rain in Pennsylvania this fall is contributing to an increased risk of fire spreading out of control.
Many municipalities across the Commonwealth are enacting burn bans due to extended dry conditions and windy weather that poses a wildfire risk. In many places, violators can be fined.
Burn bans currently in effect include but are not limited to the bans listed below:
Adams County
Oxford Township officials prohibited all open burning and all burning of items in barrels until further notice.
Cumberland County
Southampton Township, Shippensburg Township, Shippensburg Borough
Emergency management managers and supervisors enacted a ban on open burning until further notice. Residents with questions are directed to contact their municipal office:
- Shippensburg Borough: 717-532-2147
- Shippensburg Township: 717-532-7137
- Southampton Township, Cumberland County: 717-532-9041
Franklin County
Southampton Township, Shippensburg Borough
Emergency management managers and supervisors enacted a ban on open burning until further notice. Residents with questions are directed to contact their municipal office:
- Shippensburg Borough: 717-532-2147
- Southampton Township, Franklin County: 717-532-9646 ext. 103
The borough of Waynesboro has prohibited all open burning of lumber, leaves, straw and other debris until further notice.
The burning of garbage, leaves, grass, twigs, litter, paper or any other debris is prohibited under the 30-day, county-wide ban. Charcoal, gas or propane grills are not part of the ban.
The ban went into effect on Oct. 27.
The York County Board of Commissioners voted to enact a 30-day ban on open burning, which goes into effect on Friday, Nov. 1.
The burn ban will be reviewed periodically throughout the 30 days by the York County Office of Emergency Management and the Fire Chief's Association to determine if the ban can be lifted earlier due to changing weather conditions.