CHARLESTON – Gov. Joe Manchin has issued a ban on all outdoor burning in the eight counties of West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle, including Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan counties. This ban remains effect until the governor rescinds the order.

The ban includes fires built for camping and the burning of debris or for warming purposes. However, the following items are excluded from the restrictions:

Fires for commercial land-clearing, provided that a permit is obtained from the Division of Forestry prior to burning.

Fires for outdoor cooking conducted for fundraising events and charitable organization, provided that a water source capable of extinguishing the fire must be present and a permit is obtained from the Division of Forestry prior to the operation.

Liquid-fueled gas grills, lanterns or liquid-fueled gas fire stoves.

For more information about forest fires in West Virginia, visit the Division of Forestry’s website at www.wvforestry.com