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Halifax County declares local drought emergency, bans open‑air fires starting tomorrow
Summary
The Board approved Resolution 2026‑11 declaring a local drought emergency and banning open‑air fires effective 4 p.m. the following day until conditions improve; the action followed fire commission reports of recent grass fires.
Halifax County supervisors voted to declare a local drought emergency and impose a temporary ban on open‑air fires beginning at 4 p.m. the day after the meeting and continuing until drought conditions ease.
Vice Chair Small, who moved the resolution (2026‑11), told the board he and Supervisor Witt had attended a Fire Commission meeting where officials described multiple recent grass fires and urged action. The resolution, approved by voice vote, directs that open‑air fires be prohibited starting at the specified time and remain banned until further notice.
The board did not specify an end date in the meeting; staff said the restriction will remain in place “for the foreseeable future until drought conditions subside.” Fire chiefs and county emergency officials will monitor conditions and advise the board when the ban can be lifted.
The action was introduced and adopted as an agenda amendment earlier in the meeting to ensure consideration during the current session. County officials said the measure is a protective, temporary step designed to reduce grass‑fire risk while drought conditions persist.
