Residents press Lancaster supervisors over large brush-burning; Ranson permit tabled after heated public hearing

Robert Bennett told the Lancaster County Board of Supervisors that a property across the street from his home has become “a major wood burning operation” since a 2024 sale, producing smoke that “regularly smokes us out of our home, causing breathing problems and eye irritation,” and on one occasion produced flames “higher than the trees.” He asked the board to adopt an ordinance to control such operations and to keep them away from homes and children.

Catherine Bennett, a realtor who said she has worked in Lancaster County and the Northern Neck for more than 30 years, said commercial-scale burning near residences reduces property values and deters families. Multiple other neighbors described offensive smoke that disrupted outdoor recreation, youth sports and school activities near the new Lancaster high school and the county’s recreational facilities.

At a later, separate public hearing the board considered a formal application by Malcolm and Anna Ranson to operate a stump, brush and scrap‑wood chipping and/or burning facility on a 30‑acre parcel in District 4. Planning staff told the board the Ransons received a county notice of violation on Nov. 24, 2025, and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality issued a warning letter on Dec. 10, 2025, but subsequent inspections in February 2026 found the site largely extinguished and woody debris reduced in size. Staff noted the applicant must comply with the Code of Virginia and any DEQ permits if the special exception is approved.

Neighbors said the risk is broader than a single parcel given recent development in the corridor, the presence of a newly built school and planned athletics events and festivals. “This burning and constant smell of smoke would deter families coming to our great facility,” one resident said, pointing to Triway Trail events and the Compass complex.

Attorney S.W. Dawson, representing the Ransons, said the large fire last year was investigated and that “there has never been any indication whatsoever that this fire was the result of anything other than a lightning strike.” He said the Ransons have worked with the Department of Forestry and DEQ, purchased a small fire truck, and submitted plans intended to extinguish the remaining pile and to operate as a chipping/recycling facility rather than an open burning operation.

After extended public comment and board discussion over enforcement, permit conditions and the language of the zoning article (which lists “burning” among allowable uses if a special exception is granted), a supervisor moved to table the Ransons’ application to allow staff time to gather additional information and to consider broader policy implications; the motion carried. The item will return on a future agenda and interested residents were told to contact planning staff to receive notice.

The board did not decide the special exception on Feb. 26; the decision was postponed so members can consider public concerns, agency findings and possible conditions that might be imposed if the application is later taken up for a final vote.