| West Virginiaâs spring fire season is now in effect, the stateâs Division of Forestry announced Sunday.
Burning is now prohibited between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. until May 31.
The agency said the outdoor burning ban is limited to evening and overnight hours when there are cooler temperatures and calmer winds.
The burning ban does not include small fires for preparing food or warmth, as long as all grass, brush, stubble or debris is at least 10 feet from the fire, according to the division of forestry website.
Officials have also posted guidelines on the forestry website. Some rules include:
All fires must have a ring or safety strip.
Fire must be attended until completely extinguished.
Only vegetative materials such as leaves, brush and yard clippings are permitted to be burnt.
If operating spark-throwing machinery such as power shovels or sawmills on land subject to fire, machinery must contain an adequate spark arrestor. | 
