WV Division of Forestry launches new daily fire report platform

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Division of Forestry launched a new online platform detailing the daily fire reports across West Virginia, Gov. Jim Justice announced today during a briefing. The briefing can be viewed  here. 

The new platform, the Division of Forestry Daily Fire Report, will display the locations and additional available information, allowing West Virginians to view the number of acres affected since the start of the year, January 1, 2023. The interactive platform will enable users to view affected areas where wildfires have occurred or are actively occurring. This platform will be hosted on the WV Forestry website here. 

“I commend the WV Division of Forestry for implementing this important tool, which allows West Virginians to continue to keep our people — and our beautiful state forests — safe,” said James Bailey, Secretary of the WV Department of Commerce.

The platform is separated into six regions. Users will be able to see the importance and the impact of West Virginia state code fire laws we have in place. 

 “This platform provides real-time updates so West Virginians can stay informed,” Tony Evans Acting Director/State Forester. “We’re thrilled to now offer this dashboard on our website and urge everyone to stay updated on current fire burning restrictions and regulations to continue to keep our state safe.” 

Statewide burning restrictions will remain in effect until the close of the spring fire season on May 31. The Division of Forestry has issued burning guidelines on its website at wvforestry.com/fire-laws. 

Commercial burning during prohibited periods requires a permit, which are issued by local WVDOF offices. A permit is required for each commercial burning site.

Any person or company who causes a fire on any grass or forest land must reimburse the state for costs to suppress the fire. Fines for forest fires caused by negligence range from $100 to $1,000 with an additional civil penalty of $200.