Burn ban in Goochland County

Due to Dry Conditions Goochland County Suspends All Open Burning Goochland Burn Ban - November 17th Due to worsening dry conditions in the region, Goochland County as of Friday, November 17th is prohibiting open air burning until further notice. In light of the atmospheric conditions and the extended period of dry weather locally, there is a heightened risk associated with open burning. Accordingly, effective immediately, the Goochland County Fire Marshal hereby prohibits all open burning in Goochland County, suspends all previously issued open burning permits, and suspends the issuance of any new burn permits. This prohibition is in effect until the atmospheric and dry conditions abate sufficiently to decrease the heightened risk. Open burning permits that have been suspended may be extended for the period of time that the suspension is in effect. The only burning that is permitted during this prohibition is for governmental, firefighting, or military uses. Failure to comply with the open burning prohibition is a Class 1 misdemeanor. “It is critically important for public safety to prohibit open burning under these dry conditions, it takes only the smallest ember to lead to an uncontrollable fire” remarked Eddie Ferguson, Goochland County Chief of Fire-Rescue & Emergency Services. “We remind everyone to be especially careful with any kind of ignition sources outside, this includes being very cautious to properly dispose of smoking materials.” The County continues to be in regular contact with the Virginia Department of Forestry about existing conditions. The prohibition is in place until further notice. Citizens and businesses with questions about the open burning prohibition can contact Goochland County’s Office of Fire-Rescue & Emergency Services at (804) 556-5304.