Outdoor burning restrictions go into effect Wednesday with the start of West Virginia's spring forest fire season.

From March 1 through May 31, all outdoor burning is prohibited from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Most spring fires result from burning debris which escapes.

Other fire-related rules include:

--Always have at least a 10-foot safety strip around the fire.

--Never burn on windy days.

--Always have something handy to suppress the fire.

--Start brush fires small and add remaining material slowly.

--Never leave a fire unattended.

--Only vegetative materials, including brush, leaves and tree limbs, may be burned.

Forestry officials say spring can be a dangerous time for forest fires because landowners take advantage of the warm, dry weather to burn debris from the fall and winter.

Violations of some fire rules are considered a misdemeanor and could lead to a fine of up to $300.