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Smith County Board rescinds burn ban after improved conditions
Summary
The Board unanimously adopted a resolution rescinding the county's April 16, 2026 local-emergency declaration and burn ban after staff and local fire leadership reported improved precipitation and forecasts, and authorized county administration to notify the governor's office.
The Smith County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution July 9 rescinding the county's April 16, 2026 local-emergency declaration and the burn ban that had been in effect. County staff read the resolution, which cites consultation with local fire chiefs, the emergency-management coordinator, and other public-safety leadership.
The resolution states that because of "ample precipitation to reduce the fire hazard" and a favorable near-term forecast, and following consultation with the Smith County public safety advisory committee, the county would revert to Virginia Department of Forestry burning-law requirements and rescind its local burn ban. Supervisor (speaker 7) moved to revoke the county burn ban effective immediately based on staff recommendation; the motion carried unanimously.
The resolution directs county administration to notify the governor's office and take any necessary administrative steps to record the rescission. The action was presented as staff-recommended and adopted without amendment.
What happens next: county administration will file the required notification with the governor's office and implement any administrative steps required to effect the rescission.
