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Montgomery County has not yet announced a county-wide ban, but local municipalities throughout the area have.
With drought-like conditions across the region, much of Pennsylvania is experiencing a drier than usual fall. When you combine dry weather with windy conditions, like Friday’s Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, N.J., you have a “perfect storm” for a high fire risk.
While many of the municipalities in the area have instituted their own bans, Montgomery County is not one of the Commonwealth’s counties currently under a county-wide ban. Hatboro Borough, however, is one of the municipalities taking matters into its own hands.
The Borough of Hatboro has extended the temporary burn ban, which became effective on Nov. 6, and added to it.
“This ban will last until Nov. 30 (or until lifted) and prohibits open fires, including recreational fire pits and fireworks,” said a post of the Hatboro Police Department’s CrimeWatch webpage.
The burn ban is a cautionary move to prevent any future issues in the borough.
“The ban is due to the extended period of dry conditions affecting the Borough of Hatboro and the potential for uncontrollable fire spread and wildfires,” said the post.
No persons should be burning trash, leaves, or yard debris. Until the ban is lifted, no recreational fires, including those using permitted fire pits, chimineas, or burn barrels are allowed.
“The Borough of Hatboro is committed to the safety of our community,” said the department’s post. “Please direct any questions to the Fire Marshal’s Office at 215-443-9100.”
In Horsham Township, a ban went into effect on Nov. 1, effective immediately the date it was shared by the Horsham Township Fire Marshal’s Office.
“The ban will last 30 days, and prohibits open fires, including recreational fire pits, fire rings, burn barrels, and fireworks,” said the Horsham Township website. “The ban is due to the extended period of dry conditions affecting Horsham Township and the potential for uncontrollable fire spread.”
Horsham also cautioned those with a tobacco habit, as still-lit cigarettes can often spark fire also.
“Use extreme caution when smoking outdoors,” said the post.
While no one wants to put a damper on plans for fun, the bans are crucial to prevent damages, loss, and potentially unsafe circumstances.
“We understand that this burn ban may inconvenience some plans, but our top priority is the safety of our community,” said Horsham Township’s page. “Stay safe.”
