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Prince George County adopts temporary burn‑ban ordinance giving administrator emergency authority
Summary
The board adopted an ordinance authorizing the county administrator to declare temporary burn bans after consultation with appropriate agencies and board members; the measure passed by roll call amid debate over the meaning of 'consultation' and the appropriate penalty for violations.
The Prince George County Board of Supervisors voted July 28 to adopt a new ordinance that authorizes the county administrator to declare a temporary burn ban on an emergency basis after consulting relevant agencies and, as revised, consulting board members as appropriate. The ordinance sets enforcement responsibility with the chief of fire and emergency services and the chief of police and specifies that violations may be class‑3 misdemeanors under state law.
During the public hearing, citizen speakers urged a quicker process for bans and stronger penalties; one resident noted recent controlled burns that became uncontrolled and pressed the board to increase penalties beyond the $300 range discussed. Board members debated whether the term 'consultation' should be limited to notification or require broader engagement; proponents said the language accelerates response time compared with waiting for a formal meeting. The roll-call vote recorded three votes in favor and two against, approving the ordinance.
