Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Smyth County board ratifies total outdoor burn ban amid elevated wildfire risk
Summary
The Smyth County Board of Supervisors unanimously ratified an emergency declaration authorizing the county administrator to implement a total outdoor burn ban after a committee found elevated wildfire risk and recommended immediate action.
The Smyth County Board of Supervisors on Monday ratified an emergency declaration authorizing a countywide total outdoor burn ban because of elevated wildfire risk.
The measure came as a recommendation from the public safety committee. County committee members described repeated calls about active fires and ash-driven ignitions and recommended the board “authorize the administrator implement a total burn ban for Smith County for outdoor burning due to the elevated wildfire risk.” The board moved, seconded and the motion carried without recorded opposition.
County staff said the declaration is intended to prevent ignition from flying embers and that the county had already issued the administrative order before the board's ratification to avoid delay. The board did not set a specific end date; staff said the ban will remain until wildfire risk diminishes or the board removes the declaration.
