www.wvforestry.com
Joe Manchin III, Governor
Randy Dye, Director/State Forester
News Release: Oct. 15, 2007
Leslie Fitzwater, Public Information Specialist, (304) 558-2003 ext. 342
lfitzwater@wvcommerce.org
Contact: Sam Butcher, Forestry Investigative Unit Supervisor, (304) 558-2788, sbutcher@wvforestry.com
Grand Jury Indicts Man in Lincoln County Arson Case
Division of Forestry (DOF) officials announced today that a felony indictment has been returned by the September 2007 term of the Lincoln County Grand Jury charging Billy L. Workman, age 26, of Harts, Lincoln County, with one count of setting fire to the lands of another in violation of West Virginia State Code §20-3-7. Workman is alleged to have intentionally set a fire in the Big Ugly Creek area of Lincoln County on April 22, 2007, which resulted in 35 acres of forested land being burnt with an estimated value of more than $10,000.The incident was investigated by DOF law enforcement and fire personnel from the Region 3 office headquartered in Milton.
“This investigation was an excellent cooperative effort among Forestry employees within Region 3,” Director/State Forester Randy Dye said. “The Division of Forestry will investigate and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law any individuals responsible for these types of fires.”
Dye added, “Remember that the fall forest fire season is now in effect and our agency is actively enforcing the restrictions on outdoor burning that are in place through Dec. 31.”
From Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, outdoor burning is prohibited between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. All outdoor fires must have a safety strip for a minimum distance of 10 feet around the materials being burned. This strip must be cleared down to the mineral soil to lessen the chances of an errant spark escaping into the woods and starting a forest fire. All fires must be totally extinguished and not left unattended for any period of time. Anyone caught breaking the law can be charged with a misdemeanor, fined up to $300, and held liable for costs of fighting the fire and any damage the fire may have caused to others’ property.
For more information about this indictment or the forestry investigative unit, contact Forestry Investigative Unit Supervisor Sam Butcher at (304) 558-2788.
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