DANVILLE, Va. – Dry weather conditions have led to a burn ban for Danville and Pittsylvania County.

The Danville Fire Department has issued a burn ban for the city, effective immediately.  The Danville City burning ban is the result of drought conditions that have created a serious risk of widespread and dangerous fires in every region of the Commonwealth.

Pittsylvania County Public Safety has also issued an indefinite ban on open burning due to dry conditions that are favorable for rapid fire spread. This burn ban includes, but is not limited to, a ban on the burning of leaves, brush, and/or other vegetation.

Violation of the law is a Class 1 misdemeanor, with a fine of not more than $2500.

The burn ban will remain in effect until existing weather conditions improve with significant rain or snow.  When weather conditions have improved the ban will be lifted, and the public will be advised.

During these dry conditions, the public is asked to be extremely careful when discarding cigarettes, charcoal, or any other items that could cause a fire.

The tinder dry conditions have resulted in wildfires in Virginia and North Carolina this week.