Lancaster County officials conferred this morning with State Forestry officials, as well as the National Weather Service and will be lifting the 30 day open burning ban on Tuesday, May 1, 2012.
Randall S. Gockley, County Emergency management Coordinator stated that the rain this past weekend and additional rain predicted later this week will allow the ban to be lifted early.
Gockley explained that the lifting of the ban must be done at a public meeting. The County Commissioners will be taking that action at their Tuesday (May 1) Work Session.
“We need to ask for the resident’s continued support of not doing any open burning, until that time. Burning prior to the first of the month will be illegal”
It was noted that open burning for the exclusive use of cooking is legal under the current ban. The burn ban was placed in effect on April 13 and was scheduled to remain in effect until May 12.
“The public’s cooperation definitely prevented some fires in Lancaster County at a time that conditions were very dangerous.” During the past dry spell a 700+ acre fire occurred on the Berks/Chester County line, only a few miles from Lancaster County. Firefighters from 18
different Lancaster County companies assisted on that fire.
For additional information, contact Mr. Gockley at 664-1200.