Lehigh County, PA- A temporary countywide ban on open burning was passed in Lehigh according to a press release.
Lehigh County now joins a growing list of others establishing a ban in our region.
The burn ban will start at 9:00 PM on Friday, November 15, 2024, and will remain in effect until 9:00 PM on Sunday, December 15, 2024, unless it is extended or rescinded before that date, according to the news release.
Resolution #2024-54 was approved unanimously during the Regular Council Meeting on November 13, 2024.
This resolution addresses the heightened wildfire risks resulting from ongoing dry conditions, strong winds, and fluctuating temperatures. These factors have significantly elevated the fire hazard level across the region.
The burn ban was recommended by Lehigh County’s District Fire Warden, Randy Metzger, on
behalf of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Supported by over 23 Fire Chiefs across Lehigh County, this recommendation underscores the urgent need to mitigate fire hazards and protect life and property in Lehigh County.
The burn ban is crucial for protecting Lehigh County’s residents and their properties during these excessively dry conditions, according to the press release.
Additionally, the National Weather Service has issued a fire weather watch starting Saturday morning -
Bulletin: ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH SATURDAY AFTERNOON FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR MUCH OF NEW JERSEY AND EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA... The National Weather Service in Mount Holly has issued a Fire Weather Watch for gusty winds and low relative humidity, which is in effect from Saturday morning through Saturday afternoon.
AFFECTED AREA...Sussex, Warren, Morris, Hunterdon, Somerset, Middlesex, Western Monmouth, Eastern Monmouth, Mercer, Salem, Gloucester, Camden, Northwestern Burlington, Ocean, Cumberland, Atlantic, Cape May, Atlantic Coastal Cape May, Coastal Atlantic, Coastal Ocean, Southeastern Burlington, Carbon, Monroe, Berks, Lehigh, Northampton, Delaware, Philadelphia, Western Chester, Eastern Chester, Western Montgomery, Eastern Montgomery, Upper Bucks and Lower Bucks.
TIMING...From Saturday morning through Saturday afternoon. WINDS...Northwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 25 percent.
TEMPERATURES...Up to 62.
IMPACTS...Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur due to a combination of strong winds, low relative humidities, and dry fuels. Listen for later forecasts and possible Red Flag Warnings. For more information about wildfire danger, burn restrictions, and wildfire prevention and education, please visit your state forestry or environmental protection website. &&
Details of the Burn Ban
The burn ban prohibits all forms of open burning, which includes any outdoor burning of materials such as garbage, leaves, grass, twigs, paper, vegetation from land clearing, and any other debris.
Open burning is defined as burning conducted in burn barrels (screened or unscreened), fire rings, or directly on the ground in any outdoor location.
The following exceptions are not restricted under this temporary ban:
• Propane or gas stoves for outdoor cooking
• Charcoal grills for cooking purposes
• Tobacco use in any form, such as cigarettes and cigars
• Campfires contained within fire rings at state, federal, or Department of Environmental
Protection licensed campgrounds
Enforcement and Fines
Enforcement of the burn ban will be carried out by all sworn police officers across Lehigh County.
Violations of the burn ban are treated as a summary offense, with the following fine structure:
• First Offense: A fine of up to $100
• Second Offense: A fine of up to $200
• Third and Subsequent Offenses: A fine of up to $300
In municipalities that have existing ordinances prohibiting open burning, police officers have the
discretion to issue citations under either the municipal ordinance or the County’s burn ban
resolution. Please note that violators cannot be cited under both the County resolution and a local ordinance for the same infraction.
LEHIGH COUNTY
Government Center | 17 South Seventh Street
Allentown, PA 18101 -2401
Phone: 610-782-3002 | Fax: 610 -871-2755