WV HAS FOREST FIRE RED FLAGS

(10/18/2005)
The leaves are coming down and temperatures are up.

That's a red flag for forest fire season, according to State Division of Forestry spokeswoman Leslie Fitzwater, who says people have to be extra careful when they decide to burn debris.

Fitzwater says last week's rain helped put a damper on some fires, but this week begins the real danger of fall forest fire season.

There is high risk for forest fires between now and November 15.

According to law, you can't light up a brush fire until 4 p.m. and it must be out by 7 a.m.

You need to keep a 10-foot clearing around all burning.

Fitzwater says it's smart to have rakes and hoes as well as a hose nearby to put out any flames that could get out of hand.