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Board rescinds tightened burn ban, returns to state 4 p.m. rule
Summary
Smyth County supervisors voted to relax an emergency burn ban and return to the state '4 p.m.' springtime burn rule with violations specified as a class 3 misdemeanor and fines up to $500; the resolution takes effect on passage.
The Smyth County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to amend its emergency burn-ban declaration and return to the state-level 4 p.m. springtime burn rules, reinstating the standard restrictions and penal language. The county attorney and public-safety advisory committee recommended the change after reviewing National Weather Service input and local fire-chief guidance.
Speaker 2 described the proposal and said the resolution includes enforcement language noting violations may constitute a class 3 misdemeanor with fines up to $500. A motion to adopt the resolution was made and seconded; the board voted in favor. The chair said the change will take effect immediately upon the vote and staff will notify fire chiefs and local media.
The board discussed rainfall and local conditions; staff noted recent rains had improved the local outlook since the map included in board materials (May 21).
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