SB 886
Permitting prescribed fire control on private property without burning permit
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill modifies West Virginia law to allow landowners to conduct prescribed fires on their private property without obtaining a traditional burning permit. It updates the state’s forest fire season regulations and establishes a process for landowners to become certified prescribed fire managers. The bill also outlines procedures for preparing and executing prescribed fires, including safety measures and notification requirements, and provides for penalties for noncompliance.
Key provisions
- Allows landowners to conduct prescribed fires on private property without a burning permit under certain conditions.
- Updates forest fire season dates and regulations.
- Establishes a certification process for ‘certified prescribed fire managers’.
- Requires landowners to prepare a ‘prescription’ outlining the objectives and conditions of a prescribed fire.
- Mandates 24-hour notification to the Division of Forestry before a prescribed fire.
- Defines procedures for supervising and controlling prescribed fires.
- Sets fines for violations of prescribed fire regulations.
- Allows the Director to prohibit fires in designated areas and declare conditional uses.
Who is affected
- Private landowners
- West Virginia residents
- The Division of Forestry
- The Department of Environmental Protection
- Forest and wildlife management professionals
Notable changes
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