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Board ratifies countywide burn ban amid severe drought
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Summary
The Appomattox County Board ratified a Director of Emergency Services declaration implementing a countywide ban on open‑air and outdoor burning effective April 17, 2026, citing severe drought, high winds and wildfire risk; limited exceptions were specified.
The Appomattox County Board of Supervisors ratified a countywide ban on open‑air and outdoor burning that the Director of Emergency Services declared earlier due to severe drought conditions.
The resolution adopted states that Appomattox County experienced severe drought, extremely low humidity and high wind events that together create an elevated wildfire risk; the ban took effect on April 17, 2026, at 7:49 p.m. and remains in effect until the board formally rescinds it after adequate precipitation reduces fire danger. The resolution defines open burning to include trash, debris, leaves, brush, campfires, bonfires and the use of fireworks; exceptions include cooking fires contained within gas or charcoal grills, prescribed burns approved by the Virginia Department of Forestry, and fire‑related training exercises authorized and supervised by recognized fire departments.
Board members moved and seconded the resolution and adopted it by voice vote. The ban ratification was added to the agenda earlier in the meeting and passed unanimously.
