Jefferson County implements ordinance requiring burn notifications to prevent grass fires

In a recent meeting held on March 24, 2025, the Jefferson County Supervisors discussed a new open burning ordinance aimed at enhancing fire safety in the region. The ordinance is not a burn ban but establishes guidelines for controlled burns, which have become increasingly necessary due to rising fire incidents in the area.

The primary focus of the ordinance is to require individuals planning to conduct controlled burns—such as burning brush piles or CRP fields—to notify the local dispatch center beforehand. This notification process is intended to improve communication between residents and fire departments, helping to prevent misunderstandings that can lead to unnecessary emergency responses. Fire officials noted that many recent fires were not controlled burns, often resulting from residents burning trash without proper precautions or notifications.

During the meeting, fire department representatives emphasized the importance of this ordinance, particularly in light of the dry conditions that have exacerbated fire risks. They reported that in the past three weeks alone, local fire departments had responded to numerous uncontrolled fires, straining their resources. The ordinance aims to mitigate these issues by requiring individuals to provide essential information before igniting a fire, including the burn location, type of burn, and contact details.

The ordinance also outlines penalties for noncompliance, particularly during burn bans or red flag warnings. First-time offenders could face a civil penalty of $250, with escalating fines for repeated violations. Exceptions to the ordinance include small-scale burns, such as those conducted in grills or burn barrels.

As Jefferson County continues to grapple with fire safety challenges, the supervisors expressed hope that this ordinance will foster greater accountability among residents and reduce the burden on local fire services. The ordinance is expected to be implemented soon, pending further discussions and community feedback.