Effective immediately, Goochland County has banned all outdoor open burning. This ban applies to any open burning including yard waste, residential trash (barrels), and land clearing operations. Persistent dry weather has created near drought conditions. This situation, when combined with dry vegetation will allow fires to start easily and spread quickly. Weather forecasts are predicting no significant change in the current dry weather pattern for our area.

 This decision has been made with the safety of the citizens and property in Goochland County as a top priority. The burn ban will remain in effect until such time as conditions improve and it is determined the extreme fire danger has ended.

Citizens are cautioned to be alert for any fire hazards. According to the Virginia Department of Forestry, open burning accounts for thirty percent of forest fires in the Commonwealth. If any open burning is observed, please notify the Goochland County Emergency Communications by calling 911. The public’s cooperation and assistance is greatly appreciated in this important matter.

Should there be any questions in reference to the burn ban, please contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at 804-556-5364.

UPDATE: NOVEMBER 15, 2007:

Goochland County continues to be under a ban on all open flames and open burning. The continuance of the ban is necessary due to the lack of continued measurable rain in the area.  The fire marshal's office continues to communicate with the Department of Forestry for their technical expertise on the severe dry conditions. Although the area did receive rain two weeks ago, it only moved us from an extreme fire danger to a severe fire danger as reported by forestry officials. Their report states the soil and fuel moisture readings are at historic low levels increasing the fire danger. The ban includes all open fires and burning to include campfires, burn barrels and leaf/yard waste.  

We appreciate the continued understanding and support by the citizens of Goochland County. It is expected that once we are advised by forestry officials the danger has subsided due to rain and moisture content of fuels, our ban will be immediately withdrawn. Please continue to watch for updates as we move forward. If you have any questions, please contact the Fire Marshals Office at 556-5364.

Ken Brown,

Fire-Rescue Chief