Warren County has instituted a burning ban effective 3 p.m. Thursday through the end of April.

The county commissioners have signed off on a resolution authorizing the ban – which prohibits open burning, defined as “the ignition and subsequent burning of any combustible material out-of-doors either in a burn barrel or on the ground.”

According to the resolution, over half of the county’s fire chiefs supported the measure, which District Forester Cecile Stelter recommended.

“The greatest danger of wildfires occurs in the spring,” Stelter said. “In Pennsylvania, 99 percent of all wildfires are caused by people.”

“Not only do we have fewer emergency responders than previous years, but we’re also trying to fight COVID-19 on top of unusually warm weather,” Commissioner Ben Kafferlin said.

Department of Public Safety data, according to a statement from the county, shows a 66 percent increase in calls for vegetation or outdoor fires year over year.

“We have to look at the bigger picture and the emergency responders and this is what that was targeted for,” Stelter said, “to limit their exposure.

The burning ban is a direct response to the fact that not only are we in fire season but more importantly the emergency responders are having an additional layer of risk because of the COVID-19. The burn ban is designed to try to limit that risk.”

She argued that if “those folks (that) are on the front line” get sick, all of the county’s emergency response will be impacted.

“This is our way of trying to help them not be so overwhelmed with all the other things that they have to do,” Stelter said.

It was done by my recommendation to the county commissioners. I recognize this is going to impact people’s lives. It is frustrating… My overall concern right now is for the health and welfare of the first responders and also the public that they serve.”

She noted that the peak of fire season — mid-April — also corresponds with projections for peak COVID-19 cases.

The use of propane gas stoves, charcoal grills or tobacco products is not subject to the ban.

According to the resolution, “campfires are allowed in fire rings that confine and contain the camp fire in designated state, federal or other licensed campgrounds.”

Stelter clarified that personal fire rings will not be permitted for use under the ban.

The commissioners claim in the resolution that the ban “will supersede any subordinate municipal ordinance to the contrary” and “may be enforced, when available, by any sworn officers, including the municipal police departments, Pennsylvania State Police, Forest Fire Wardens, Game Wardens, Waterway Conservation Officers, Sheriff Deputies and certified Constables…”

The resolution indicates violations can be charged as summary offenses with fines of up to $50 for a first offense, up to $200 for a second offense and up to $500 for a third offense.

A release from the county offers suggestions for what to do with the material absent burning.

“The public is encouraged to consider alternative to burning which could include: compost, pile up or mulch leaves in your lawn to provide nutrients to the soil; bag leaves and take to a municipal compost facility; chip and mulch small limbs and brush or build brush piles in your woods to provide nesting and escape habitat for wildlife.”

According to the resolution, the ban can be extended for an additional 30 days by the commissioners with Stelter’s recommendation.