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Smyth County Board rescinds April burn ban, cites improved conditions
Summary
The Smyth County Board of Supervisors on July 9 rescinded a local emergency and associated burn ban declared April 16, 2026, citing recent precipitation and a favorable forecast. The resolution directs county administration to notify the governor.
The Smyth County Board of Supervisors voted July 9 to rescind the local emergency and burn ban first declared April 16, 2026. Assistant County Administrator Lisa Richardson read a resolution saying the county has "received an adequate amount of precipitation to reduce the fire hazard," and the Board approved rescinding the declaration and instructed County Administration to file a notice with the governor.
The resolution recited that the April declaration was made under Code of Virginia §44-146.21 after consultation with local fire chiefs, the Emergency Management Coordinator and the sheriff due to drought and high fire fuel loads. Rye Valley Supervisor Jason Parris moved to approve the rescission citing time sensitivity; the motion passed unanimously among present supervisors. The Board's action restores the county to the Virginia Department of Forestry’s "4pm Burning Law" conditions that had been reinstated on May 28, 2026.
