Lawrence County lifts countywide burn ban and adopts updated five-year hazard mitigation plan
October 22, 2025 | Lawrence County, Pennsylvania
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The Lawrence County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Oct. 21 to rescind the countywide burn ban and to adopt an updated five-year hazard mitigation plan that county staff said is required by state and federal agencies.
The hazard mitigation plan update — presented by Chad Strobel, director of the Department of Public Safety — lists county hazards including flooding, the opioid crisis, first-responder shortages and the spotted lanternfly, and must be reviewed by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for final approval, Strobel said. "FEMA requires every 5 years we update our hazard mitigation plan," Strobel said. "It's kind of a high level look down at all the threats and hazards that Lawrence County has."
Commissioners said the plan’s adoption makes the county and its municipalities eligible for mitigation funding if disasters occur. Strobel said the county used a consultant to prepare the plan and that municipal adoption is not mandatory — but municipalities must adopt the plan to become eligible for federal mitigation or disaster-recovery funds. The board approved the resolution adopting the plan by roll call; the motion carried.
Separately, the board moved to rescind the countywide burn ban that had been in place this month. Strobel told commissioners that rainfall since the ban was adopted — including 1.09 inches during a recent event and a monthly total of about 2.37 inches, compared with an October average of about 3 inches — reduced observed wildfire risk to "low." He noted a recent, contained field fire on North Petersburg Road that was caused by farm machinery; no buildings were damaged. Strobel recommended lifting the ban with continued adherence to standard guidance such as avoiding burns on windy days and burning when ground moisture is higher.
Commissioners discussed the timing and local coordination with neighboring counties and the state forestry agency before voting to rescind the ban. The rescission takes immediate effect upon the board’s approval.
The board held the votes during its regular public meeting at the Lawrence County courthouse.
The hazard mitigation plan update — presented by Chad Strobel, director of the Department of Public Safety — lists county hazards including flooding, the opioid crisis, first-responder shortages and the spotted lanternfly, and must be reviewed by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for final approval, Strobel said. "FEMA requires every 5 years we update our hazard mitigation plan," Strobel said. "It's kind of a high level look down at all the threats and hazards that Lawrence County has."
Commissioners said the plan’s adoption makes the county and its municipalities eligible for mitigation funding if disasters occur. Strobel said the county used a consultant to prepare the plan and that municipal adoption is not mandatory — but municipalities must adopt the plan to become eligible for federal mitigation or disaster-recovery funds. The board approved the resolution adopting the plan by roll call; the motion carried.
Separately, the board moved to rescind the countywide burn ban that had been in place this month. Strobel told commissioners that rainfall since the ban was adopted — including 1.09 inches during a recent event and a monthly total of about 2.37 inches, compared with an October average of about 3 inches — reduced observed wildfire risk to "low." He noted a recent, contained field fire on North Petersburg Road that was caused by farm machinery; no buildings were damaged. Strobel recommended lifting the ban with continued adherence to standard guidance such as avoiding burns on windy days and burning when ground moisture is higher.
Commissioners discussed the timing and local coordination with neighboring counties and the state forestry agency before voting to rescind the ban. The rescission takes immediate effect upon the board’s approval.
The board held the votes during its regular public meeting at the Lawrence County courthouse.
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