At the request of dozens of fire chiefs across the county, the Delaware County Council has enacted a 30-day ban on most open burning due to extremely dry conditions.

This comes as many municipalities like Brookhaven and Nether Providence issued their own restrictions. On Wednesday, Upper Darby issued a burn ban that will remain in effect until further notice.

“We are prioritizing the safety of our community during this time of heightened fire danger,” said Upper Darby Fire Chief Brian Boyce, who also serves as the township’s emergency management coordinator. “This burn ban is a precautionary measure to reduce the risk of fire-related emergencies. “We appreciate the cooperation of residents and businesses in adhering to these restrictions for the safety of everyone in Upper Darby.”

On Monday, Richard J. Hartlieb Jr., district forester at William Penn State Forest, asked Larry Bak, deputy director of Delaware County Emergency Management, to ask the county council to consider a 30-day burn ban.

“This recommendation is made for the protection of life and property and is supported by 60 fire chiefs within Delaware County,” Hartlieb wrote.

When Bak appeared before the council that same day, the number of chiefs within the county supporting him increased to 72, he said.

“In the last 30 days, we’ve had 94 bush fires and several of them have also been pretty significant bush fires, which a number of businesses have had to respond to,” Bak said, noting that the lack of rain has caused serious damage. dry conditions throughout the county.

“We would need abundant and constant rain for three days,” the deputy director said to alleviate the situation. “We are under drought alert at the moment. “We get red flag warnings based on wind conditions.”

The council unanimously approved the ban Wednesday night and it extends throughout the county.

Municipalities that have their own burn bans in place must choose whether to comply with the county’s or their own. It’s your choice. Delaware County Attorney Jonathan Lichtenstein explained that there can be no double jeopardy.

What is included?

Open burning is defined as the ignition and subsequent burning of any combustible material, including trash, leaves, grass, twigs, litter, paper, land clearing-related plant matter, or any type of open debris, whether in a protected location or unprotected burn barrel, fire ring or on the ground.

The ban does not cover the use of gas or propane stoves, charcoal briquette grills, or the use of tobacco in any form.

Campfires are permitted in fire rings that confine and contain the campfire in designated campgrounds licensed by state, federal, or state Department of Environmental Protection.

Bak said that although the ban does not include tobacco, residents should think about whether to smoke outside or not.

“There are some days when you probably shouldn’t go out to smoke,” he said. “Under these conditions, it doesn’t take much.”

Violations of the ban would be a summary offense. Upon conviction, a first offense would result in a $100 fine, a second offense would be $200, and a third offense would be a $300 fine.

Municipal police officers have the authority to enforce the bans.

Upper Darby Ban

In Upper Darby, the township’s burn ban applies to all residential, commercial and public properties within the township.

Prohibits open burning of any type, including recreational campfires, campfires, brush burning, and agricultural burning, as well as the burning of yard waste or debris, such as leaves, branches, and grass.

In Upper Darby, as with the county’s ban, charcoal or wood grills can still be used, but only with caution and under supervision. Propane and gas grills are allowed.

Township residents were ordered to report violations or, if they see open burning in violation of the ban, to immediately call 911.

They also offered tips for conserving water during the drought, including running dishwashers and clothes washers only when the appliances are full.

Toilets, faucets and pipes should be checked for leaks. If possible, residents should consider water- and energy-efficient appliances, as those with the Water Sense label are certified to be at least 20% more efficient.

Residents were ordered to turn off the faucet while brushing their teeth or washing dishes in the sink.

Lawn watering should only be done as needed and, when necessary, should be watered early in the morning or evening to reduce evaporation.

Residents are asked to use a broom to clean the sidewalk instead of a hose.

And they are encouraged to install a rain barrel to reuse rain when it falls.

Delaware County Councilwoman Christine Reuther reminded the public that the vast majority of fire companies responding to these fires are volunteers.

“So it’s very important that we respect Mother Nature and what she’s doing to us in this period of time,” he said. “We are following the lead of most of our neighboring counties in enacting the ban.”

Climatic conditions

TO The drought watch remains in force.and the state Department of Environmental Protection is asking residents to voluntarily conserve 5% to 10% of their water use.

He 60-day precipitation output map from the Mid-Atlantic River Forecast Center is extreme, and now the 90 day exit map Data from the agency, a division of the weather service, also looks bleak.

Friday was the 41st consecutive day without measurable precipitation at Philadelphia International Airport. Each new dry day sets a record for the longest chain ever recorded.

Friday also saw a red flag warning issued by the National Weather Service, signifying an increased level of fire danger. This means that with low humidity and gusty winds, bush fires are easy to break out. There was no red flag warning for Saturday.

Dry times began on August 20. Since then, in the 80 days through Friday, only 0.77 inches of rain have fallen at the airport, driven by warmer-than-normal conditions much of the time.

There appears to be some relief at hand.

Rain chances, possibly up to a half inch of rain, are high Sunday night. It would be a start. Further good chances of rain are forecast later Wednesday night and Thursday.

Even if those forecasts hold, the rain likely won’t be enough to end the watch. The DEP has said it would take a wait-and-see approach to the accumulation of rain, and even snow, for a few months.

It’s unclear what the county will do when the 30 days are up.

October was the first of any month in a record 154-year period in which no precipitation was recorded on an official Philadelphia site.

Originally Posted: November 9, 2024 at 7:25 am EST