All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

West Virginia spring fire season, burning restrictions return March 1

The start of West Virginia’s annual spring fire season on Saturday, March 1, marks the return of burning restrictions. The West Virginia Division of Forestry (WV DOF) reminds residents to confine outdoor burning to 5 p.m. to 7 a.m., according to West Virginia State Code Chapter 20-3-5. Fires set during that time must be put out before 7 a.m.

“Even though we have had a wet and snowy winter, it doesn’t take very long for our fuels to dry out. Since January 1, we have responded to 29 fires that have burned approximately 161.6 acres. We would like to ask the public to please follow burning restrictions, especially on sunny and windy conditions,” said Jeremy Jones, Director/State Forester of the West Virginia Division of Forestry.

Statewide burning restrictions will remain in effect until the spring fire season closes on May 31. The Division of Forestry has issued burning guidelines on its website at wvforestry.com/fire-laws.

Regulations include:

  • All fires must have a safety strip.
  • The safety strip itself must be cleared of burnable material and be at least 10 feet wide.
  • Fire must be attended until completely extinguished.
  • Only vegetative materials such as leaves, brush and yard clippings are permitted to be burnt.
  • Spark-throwing machinery such as power shovels or sawmills operating on land subject to fire must contain an adequate spark arrestor.
  • Inflammable waste disposal areas must annually remove all grass, brush, debris and other inflammable material adjacent to disposal areas to provide adequate protection, preventing the escape of fire to adjacent lands.

“Our fire laws protect one of West Virginia’s most valuable resources, our forests,” Jones said. “We urge everyone who decides to burn anything outside to be completely familiar with the guidelines available on our website. It doesn’t take long for our fuels to dry out and fires to escape easily during the spring months.”

Commercial burning during prohibited periods requires a permit, which are issued by local WVDOF offices. A permit is required for each commercial burning site.

Any person or company that causes a fire on grass or forest land must reimburse the state for the costs of suppressing the fire. Fines for forest fires caused by negligence range from $100 to $1,000, with an additional civil penalty of $200.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Buckhannon man charged with stealing package from ex-wife’s building, stalking

A Buckhannon man was arrested after allegedly stealing a package and contacting a woman against her will. Thomas Summers, 36, faces charges including entering without breaking, stalking, petit larceny and possession of a controlled substance.

Those pretty red leaves? They’re lying to you: The surprising truth about poinsettias

aoinsettias’ bright red “petals” aren’t flowers at all — they’re modified leaves called bracts, with the true flowers in the tiny yellow center. Learn about the plant’s Aztec roots, how it became a holiday staple, and simple tips to keep it thriving.

Buckhannon man charged with felony domestic battery after altercation over car keys

A Buckhannon man was arrested on a charge of domestic battery, third offense, after allegedly striking a woman when he was “extremely intoxicated” and they refused to give him his car keys.

West Virginia State Parks announces First Day Hikes for New Year’s Day

Twenty-one state parks and forests — including Audra and Canaan — will host free guided hikes on January 1 to help visitors kick off 2026 outdoors.

Mountain CAP to host free workshop for dads in January

Mountain CAP Family Support Center is hosting a free Key Behaviors Workshop for dads and male caregivers on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Buckhannon.

The Thread Lab opens Main Street storefront in Buckhannon for custom embroidery and apparel

The Thread Lab has opened a Main Street storefront in Buckhannon, giving customers an easier way to shop and order custom embroidered and personalized apparel. General manager Ashley Marple said a grand opening is planned after the holidays.

WVU doctors warn of whooping cough surge in West Virginia, highest in 15 years

West Virginia is experiencing its highest number of whooping cough cases since 2010, with WVU doctors warning about symptoms and risks. Untreated, the infection can linger for months.

Thomas “Tom” Jesse Riley

Thomas “Tom” Jesse Riley, 71, of Buckhannon, WV, a longtime trucker and owner of Riley Trucking and Repair, died December 19, 2025, and is survived by his wife Mary Ann, five children, grandchildren and siblings.

Michele Lynn Mellon

Michele Lynn Mellon, 78, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and Hallmark employee who loved faith, family and handwritten cards, died peacefully at home after an injury and subsequent stroke.