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Board eases county burn ban to state 4 p.m. schedule amid improving conditions
Summary
Smyth County supervisors voted to amend the countywide burn‑ban emergency declaration to the state 4 p.m. burn rule (allowing burns with restrictions between late afternoon and midnight) and directed staff to notify fire chiefs and media.
Supervisors voted to amend the countywide burn‑ban emergency declaration so local restrictions align with the state 4 p.m. burn law: burn activities would be allowed after 4 p.m. with limitations and no additional fuel added after midnight; violations would remain enforceable as a class 3 misdemeanor with fines up to $500. The board approved the resolution as presented and staff said the change would take effect immediately upon adoption.
County staff explained the recommendation followed discussions with the National Weather Service and the county public‑safety advisory committee of fire chiefs and emergency management personnel, who advised relaxing full restrictions given recent rainfall. The board moved the resolution, seconded and approved unanimously, and the chair asked staff to notify local fire chiefs and area broadcasters. Supervisors emphasized continuing vigilance and the resolution includes standard enforcement language and references to state code.
