Despite rainfall earlier this week, local fire chiefs and fire wardens are keeping their burn bans in place. Officials in Warren, Waitsfield, Fayston and Moretown issued burn bans last week.
Moretown fire chief Stefan Pratt said it wasn’t just a matter of rain, but the prolonged drought that had impacted water for firefighting.
“The rain has not changed things. The state ordered fire wardens not to issue burn permits until further notice. Even with rain, just an inch or two under the surface is still very dry. Water sources for fire suppression continues to be a struggle,” Pratt said.
In Waitsfield, fire chief Jared Young said he was not issuing any burn permits.
“We’re going to need a lot more rain than that,” he said.
Earlier this week, the Green Mountain National Forest (GMNF) issued fire restrictions on the national forest beginning this week, in response to ongoing moderate to severe drought conditions in Vermont.
The decision to implement fire restrictions is based on various factors, including the prevalence of unattended fires, unfavorable weather conditions, and the availability of firefighting resources. The moisture level of forest trees and other vegetation is deceptively low with autumn leaves beginning to fall adding to dry fuels on the forest floor.
While the forest fire restrictions are in place, the following are illegal:
1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, or wood grill outside of a Forest Service provided metal fire pit, metal fire ring, or pole mounted grill at a developed campground or developed recreation site. (36 CFR 261.52(a)))].
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material. 36 CFR §261.52(d)
The fire restrictions will remain in place until withdrawn by a termination order issued by the Forest Supervisor. For more information, view the fire restriction order here: https://nfs.fs2c.usda.gov/r09/gmfl/alerts/fire-restrictions-effect
Those who encounter a wildfire, should dial 911 to report the fire and be prepared to give the location of the fire and other pertinent information to first responders.
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