Chester County Declares Countywide Open Burn Ban

At an emergency meeting convened by the Chester County Department of Emergency Services, the Chester County Commissioners have declared a countywide 30-day open burn ban, effective Sunday, October 27, 2024. The County declaration comes at the recommendation of Department of Emergency Services leaders and county fire officials, based on current and forecasted weather conditions, as well as the recent increase in brush fires across the county.

Chester County Department of Emergency Services Director Bill Messerschmidt said, "Wildfire potential is currently very high throughout the county because of the drought, winds, dry fuels and fluctuating temperatures. This temporary open burn ban will significantly help to alleviate pressure on our fire services, and we are asking all residents and businesses to honor and adhere to it, especially when it comes to the seasonal burning of leaves and yard waste."

The open burn ban includes open burning of any combustible material outdoors in either a burn barrel (screened or unscreened), fire ring, fire pit, or on the ground. This includes the burning of garbage, leaves, grass, twigs, litter, paper, and vegetation from land which has been cleared.

"The lack of rainfall, low humidity, and sunny and windy days have increased the chances of forest and brush fires, and our emergency responders have seen an increase in brush fires over the past few weeks. Current weather forecasts show that a high fire danger will continue across Chester County and the southeast region," added Messerschmidt.

All county first responder leaders have been informed of the open burn ban including the County Fire Chief and Police Chief associations, municipal fire marshals, municipal emergency management coordinators and the PA State Police Troop J.

Per the County declaration, all open burning is banned until Monday, November 24, 2024.