The Lancaster County commissioners voted Wednesday to issue a 30-day burn ban to go into effect on Friday, June 9.
The county wide burn ban is effective June 9, 2023, to July 9, 2023, but could be lifted based on rainfall.
Requests for the ban were made to the commissioners by multiple agencies, including the District Forester and various Lancaster County Fire Chiefs.
Strong winds, low relative humidity, warm temperatures, and decreased rainfall factored into the commissioners’ decision.
The ban specifically prohibits “open burning,” which is defined as burning combustible material outside in a burn barrel, fire ring, or on the ground. The ban includes burning garbage, leaves, grass, twigs, paper, or “any sort of debris.”
According to the Lancaster County government website, “Campfires are allowed in the fire rings that confine and contain the campfire in a designated state, federal, or Department of Environmental Protection licensed campground.”
The ban does not include propane or gas stoves, charcoal briquette grills or tobacco. The county ban does not prohibit fireworks.
Manheim Township Fire Chief Scott Little spoke at Wednesday’s commissioners meeting and said that 94% of fire chiefs surveyed agreed with the ban.
“Currently the lack of rainfall and low humidity are key factors contributing to a dangerous situation in the county,” he said.
Little said the reason fireworks are not included in the ban is because the county does not have the authority to ban fireworks. Municipalities can enact firework bans under certain conditions.
Commissioner Ray D’Agostino said the ban is primarily about educating people about the situation and is an “extraordinary measure” during an “extraordinary time.”
Commissioner Josh Parsons said the ban is “unusual” and hopes rainfall will allow the commissioners to cancel the ban. He also said that while there is a fine attached to violating the resolution, “it’s really about raising awareness and making sure people understand how dangerous it is to have fires right now.”
Commissioner John Trescot said that the ban could also be extended if conditions do not improve.
According to the county’s website, the penalty for violating the commissioners’ resolution shall be a “fine of no more than $100.00 for the first offense, $200.00 for the second offense and $300.00 for the third and subsequent offenses.”
