Chester County Burn Ban Extended Through Christmas

CHESTER COUNTY, PA — The burn ban in Chester County has been extended through Christmas, officials announced this week. Officials made the determination based on forecasted weather as well as the continued increase in brush fires across the county.

“Wildfire potential is currently very high throughout the county because of the drought, winds, dry fuels and fluctuating temperatures," Chester County Department of Emergency Services Director Bill Messerschmidt said in a statement.

The original ban was announced on Oct. 27 and lasted for 30 days. The new ban will remain in place through Dec. 26.

While a few scattered showers and rainstorms have snapped the record drought and consecutive days without precipitation streaks through most of the region, drought conditions still persist.

Nearby Montgomery and Delaware counties have enacted similar bans.

The ban prohibits the open burning of "any combustible material" outdoors, including in a burn barrel, fire ring, fire pit, or on the ground.

"This includes the burning of garbage, leaves, grass, twigs, litter, paper, and vegetation from land which has been cleared," the commissioners office said.