Burn Bans Lifted

As of Friday, August 20, 2010 the burn bans in Accomack and Northampton Counties have been lifted.

Both counties urge residents to adhere by all regular laws, rules, regulations and normal precautions when conducting open burns.

State Of Virginia Put On Drought Watch

A drought watch has been issued for Virginia as a long hot, dry spell has stunted crops, heightened the threat of wildfires and drawn down reservoirs.

The watch issued Wednesday by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality is intended to increase awareness of a possible drought as the state heads into the statistically driest months of the year.

The department is urging voluntary measures statewide to protect water supplies.

Recent rains have done little to ease parched conditions. Among the primary factors leading to the watch:

Eight-six percent of the state is experiencing abnormally dry to moderate drought conditions, as defined by the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Most of Virginia has recorded below-normal precipitation in the last 60 days; short-term forecasts do not indicate a change in that pattern.

Stream monitoring stations show water flows below normal ranges, particularly in southeast and central Virginia.

Wildfire conditions are at levels normally seen much later in the summer months. Twenty localities already have issued burning bans.

Large reservoirs such as Lake Moomaw, Smith Mountain Lake, Kerr Reservoir and Philpott Reservoir have been slowly declining since June.

Virginia growers have been especially hard hit by the scorching temperatures and dry conditions. The state commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services said the early arrival of hot, dry conditions has been difficult to overcome.

"Normally, if you have a late drought, your crops are a little better along," Matthew J. Lohr said. "It's been weeks since we've had measurable rain."

Kevin Engel farms leased land in 14 Virginia counties. He grows corn for feed and store shelves, barley, wheat and soybeans. He said conditions throughout all his fields are uniformly bad.

"A very large majority of corn in our area will not yield anything, even if it rains now," he said. He had to replant 200 acres of soybeans burned by the sun, even though the field was irrigated.

"There's going to be quite a serious blow to Virginia's No. 1 industry this year," Engel said.

Growers who usually can depend on two hay cuts a season are looking at one now, meaning they may have to thin herds if they can't store enough for the winter months.

Even poultry farmers have reported heat stress among their birds.

Lohr said Virginia needs a steady drenching of rain to salvage some crops.

While there is no widespread reports of threatened public water supplies, the DEQ is urging localities, public water suppliers and others to enact preservation measures.
www.shoredailynews.com

Worcester County Burn Ban Still ln Effect

July 7, 2010 - Worcester County Places A Burn Ban In Effect

Written by Jeff McMahon Wednesday, 07 July 2010

Update: Monday, July 12, 2010 - BURN BAN STILL IN EFFECT

Effective immediately (July 7, 2010), outdoor burning is banned for an indefinite period of time in Worcester County.

Worcester County Fire Marshal Jeff McMahon issued the burning ban today, July 7, 2010 after dry weather and 12 outdoor wildfires occurred in Worcester County during the past 30 days.

The ban applies to all outdoor ignition sources, including campfires, bonfires, fireworks, leaf, brush, grass and trash burning and other similar methods of open incineration.

The ban does not apply to public permitted fireworks displays with fire company personnel assisting or Assateague beach campfires.

Since the beginning of June, the County has experienced an increased number of brush, field and woods fires,” said McMahon.

“These fires cause safety concerns for area residents and responding personnel. -The ban will remain in effect until the dry conditions dissipate.

For further information contact Fire Marshall Jeff McMahon at 410-632-5666.

NO BURNING In Accomack County UNTIL Further Notice!!

Due to the increased wildland fires and drought conditions, Accomack County Administrator Steve Miner has placed a ban on all open burning in Accomack County, according to a press release from Accomack County.

The ban will include camp fires, burn barrels, agricultural fires and prescribe forestry burning.

The emergency ban will start immediately and will remain in effect until it is reviewed at the next Accomack County Board of Supervisor's Meeting.

*******The burning ban will be enforced and monitored by the Accomack County Sheriff's Department. *******