EASTON, Pa. — A burn ban will take effect Sunday for Northampton County after a vote by County Council on Thursday.
The ban on any outdoor fire in a fire ring, burn barrel or on the ground takes effect on Nov. 10.
Charcoal and propane grills still will be allowed, along with fires in a fireplace or otherwise contained indoors.
The delay gives county officials time to comply with advertising and other requirements imposed by state law. Once it takes effect, the ban will remain in effect for 30 days, unless county council opts to cancel it sooner or extend it.
Amid unusually dry weather, high winds and a wildfire that burned hundreds of acres of Blue Mountain, the district forester responsible for Northampton County began the process of enacting a burn ban by polling the county’s fire chiefs.
Twelve of the polled officials agreed that a ban is needed — enough to send the question to County Council.
Violations of the ban carry a maximum penalty of a $100 fine for the first offense, $200 for a second and $300 for a third or subsequent offense.
Any police in the county can issue a citation for illegal burning.
Northampton County’s burn ban includes an exception for Easton Area High School’s annual bonfire the night before its Thanksgiving Day football game against Phillipsburg.
Palmer Township’s fire department and police will have the authority to go forward with the annual event if conditions permit.
