Suffolk News-Herald

The open air burning ban officially ends after Sunday, however, permits to burn are still required. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ) originally imposed the open burn ban for all cities in the Hampton Roads area from June 1 to Aug. 31.

Suffolk’s Emergency Management Coordinator Captain Jim Judkins said the ban was imposed because the breathing air quality in Hampton Roads was approaching levels requiring additional control measures, such as mandatory vehicle emissions testing.

Suffolk Fire Marshall, Captain Arthur G. Barrett also said residents should remember that although the ban has expired, a permit is required for all open-air burning in our city.

&uot;There are absolutely no exceptions,&uot; said Barrett. &uot;Even burning in a barrel requires a permit. Under the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, those who insist on burning without a permit will face charges of unlawful burning, a Class I misdemeanor. That carries a fine of up to $2,500, up to a year in jail, either or both. It is simply much less trouble to apply for those permits.&uot;

To apply for a burn permit, residents may call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 923-2573 or stop by the office at 400 Market Street. Hours are weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and for Saturday, Sept. 6, only, from 8 a.m. to noon.

The best news of all: there is no charge for burn permits.