City of Weirton – Open Burning Restrictions
In recent months, we have seen an increase in heat and dryness with minimal rainfall in Weirton. This mixture of weather makes open burning very dangerous. We want to remind residents that the City of Weirton has restrictions on open burning in the city. Restrictions for open burning in the city are laid out in § 1505.01 of the City of Weirton Codified Ordinances, and are as follows:
(A) No person shall be permitted to have any open burning in the city for the purpose of disposal of vegetation unless and until they have obtained a permit from the Division of Air Quality or the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection.
(B) The city Fire Department is no longer permitted to issue open burning permits in the city.
(C) Recreational fires for cooking, heat, school sanctioned bonfires, veteran organization flag burning for the purpose of destroying damaged or worn American Flags, or for light are permitted provided that they are contained and do not create a hazard as defined by the guidelines set forth in divisions (A) and (C) through (G) of this section. Chimneys, manufactured outdoor fire places, permanent outdoor fire places, and permanent fire pits not exceeding three-by-three feet are also permitted.
(D) Burning of paper, leaves, trash, treated wood scraps, tires, plastics, treated wood skids, wire, wire insulators and like materials are not permitted.
(E) Recreational fires shall not be located within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material unless contained in an approved manner. Conditions that could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.
(F) Open fires and cooking fires shall be constantly attended by a competent person until the fire is extinguished. This person shall have fire extinguishing equipment readily available for use.
An increase in residents violating the restrictions has been noticed. Violation of the restrictions constitutes as a misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine up to $500, and will be enforced against those found violating the ordinance.
