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Board ratifies emergency outdoor burn ban amid elevated wildfire risk
Summary
Following a committee recommendation the Smyth County Board ratified an emergency order implementing a total outdoor burn ban because of elevated wildfire risk; the county administrator said he had already issued the order administratively to avoid delay.
The Smyth County Board of Supervisors voted to ratify an emergency declaration that establishes a total outdoor burn ban because of elevated wildfire risk. The committee reported unanimous recommendation for the board to ratify the administrative declaration after describing numerous recent calls about fires and concerns about flying embers starting new blazes.
The county administrator explained that he had already issued the burn ban administratively to avoid delay given drought conditions and public-safety concerns, and the board ratified the action without further discussion. Supervisors clarified that the ban is a total outdoor burn ban (not limited to uncontained fires) and answered a question about barrels and contained burns.
Why it matters: Supervisors and staff said the ban responds to elevated wildfire risk and numerous recent calls; the action temporarily restricts outdoor burning activity countywide until conditions improve. The administrator urged residents to follow the ban and noted staff will monitor weather and rescind the order when appropriate.
Next steps: The board ratified the emergency ban and asked staff to keep supervisors informed about weather changes and any steps needed to implement or lift restrictions.
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