The National Weather Service has declared Mecklenburg County as experiencing ‘abnormally

dry’ conditions, based on the most recent drought monitoring maps.  In addition, the County is

expected to see dry weather all this week with only a slight chance of precipitation over the

weekend.  Due to the combination of these factors, a county-wide ban on open burning has

been implemented as authorized by Mecklenburg County Board of Supervisors.

Open burning is the burning of materials wherein products of combustion are emitted directly

into the ambient air without passing through a stack or chimney from an enclosed chamber.

This includes, but is not limited to, burning of leaves, brush, and/or other vegetation.  Dry

conditions currently exist outdoors that are favorable for rapid fire spread due to the lack of

measurable rainfall throughout the County.  This burn ban is effective beginning 12:00 a.m. on

Thursday, November 16, 2023, and will remain in effect until the area receives a significant

amount of rainfall that decreases fire risk, at which time the ban shall be lifted.  A violation of

this burn ban may be punishable as a Class 3 Misdemeanor, which, pursuant to Virginia Code

§18.2-11, carries for a conviction thereof a fine of not more than $500.