Berks County to implement 30-day burn ban; board moves to clarify agricultural exemptions

Berks County leaders announced that staff will implement a 30-day countywide burn ban following a recommendation from the district forester.

Commissioners discussed an item to amend a prior resolution (transcript reference '156-2023') to explicitly define ‘agricultural-related businesses and operations’ and to exclude normal agricultural operations and ag-related businesses from future burn bans. The amendment is intended to clarify which activities are exempt from the ban.

Chief Operations Officer Kevin Barnhart urged compliance with the burn ban and offered a public-safety reminder to families: "Just want to encourage our residents to abide by the requirements of the burn ban," he said. The board noted that the COO is authorized to implement the restriction based on the district forester’s recommendation (named in the discussion as Rick Hartleib).

The transcript records commissioners directing staff to proceed with the amendment so that definitions and exemptions are clear; any final change to county code or resolution language will be reflected in a formal resolution returned to the board for adoption or placement on a future consent agenda.