CLEARFIELD – The Clearfield County Commissioners approved enacting a county-wide burn ban during Tuesday’s regular board meeting.
It was done upon request from the county’s Department of Emergency Services and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Residents are being asked to refrain from outdoor, open burning. “Due to lack of precipitation, the county is experiencing a moderate to high-fire danger that has created a potential for wildfires,” said Commissioner John A. Sobel, chair.
“A number of wildfires have occurred in the last couple weeks and very little precipitation is predicted for the next 10 days.”
The ban includes:
- Burning leaves, grass, branches, twigs or garbage in any outdoor burn barrels or fire rings.
- Cooking fires
- Open charcoal grills
This excludes:
- Propane gas grills
- Enclosed charcoal grills
According to Emergency Services Director Joseph Bigar Jr., the mandatory burn ban is in accordance with a minimum of 10 fire chiefs and the district forester requesting it.
The burn ban was requested by the fire chiefs in Sandy Township, DuBois City, Curwensville, Brady Township, Grampian, Clearfield Borough, Morris Township, Bigler-Jackson-Woodland, Lawrence Township, Ramey and Hyde.
“That’s a pretty significant number,” said Sobel. Commissioner Mark B. McCracken noted other municipalities were enacting restrictions, and he felt it was appropriate for the county to do so, as well.
The burn ban will remain in effect until lifted or for the statutory maximum of 30 days. The ban may be extended for an additional 30 days if conditions do not improve, Bigar said.