When the National Weather Service declares a Red Flag Warning for Lancaster County the recommendation is to not burn. The Red Flag Warning means that the threat of field and woods are very high due to dry, windy conditions.
Randall S. Gockley, County EMA Director, is recommending that no one burn during any Red Flag day. Gockley stated " Common sense has to come into play and people with brush and trash piles can wait until it is not a dry. I would highly support law enforcement fining anyone causing an out of control fire due to burning on a dangerous day".
Woods and brush fires can spread to structures and can be very dangerous and time consuming on the local fire service resources. According to Gockley, "most natural cover fires can be prevented by asking people to burn when conditions are not as severe. Prevention is the priority of the fire service."
For additional information, citizens can contact their local municipal office or the Lancaster County Emergency Management Office at 1-800-808-5236.