06/22/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 22, 2026
Patrick County officials have announced the official lifting of the county-wide burn ban, effective immediately. While open burning is once again permitted, local public safety and emergency management officials emphasize that strict regulations remain in place to prevent accidental wildfires, and residents must exercise extreme caution.
Under the revised guidelines, legal open burning is strictly limited to late afternoon and evening hours. Residents are permitted to burn only from the hours of 4:00 PM until midnight. Furthermore, all fires must be completely extinguished by midnight. Daytime burning remains entirely prohibited due to higher winds and lower humidity levels during daylight hours, which dramatically increase the risk of rapid fire spread.
Key Regulations & Safety Rules:
• Permitted Hours: Burning is only allowed between 4:00 PM and 12:00 AM (midnight).
• Extinguishment Mandate: All fires must be completely out and cold to the touch by midnight.
• Safety Mandate: Use extreme caution, maintain constant supervision, and have an active water source or suppression tools nearby.
• Future Outlook: Due to current conditions and seasonal forecasts, the burn ban is likely to be re-instated in approximately 30 days.
Local fire officials warn that current environmental and weather conditions remain volatile. The temporary relief allowing for this lift is expected to be short-lived. Based on long-range forecasts and dry soil trends, residents should plan their burning projects accordingly and anticipate that the Burn Ban will likely be re-instated in 30 days.
Citizens are urged to clear the area around any burn pile of all flammable debris, keep fires at a manageable size, and never leave an open flame unattended for any period of time. Individuals found in violation of the designated burning hours or responsible for escaped fires may face legal penalties and liability for emergency response costs.
The Patrick County Office of Emergency Management would like to remind everyone that fire safety starts with you.
Any additional information contact:
Scottie Cassell
Patrick County Emergency Management Coordinator
(276) 694-4940 [email protected]