Wildfire Danger Continues in Virginia

Officials with the Virginia Department of Forestry have noticed an increase in the number of wildfires as spring ends and summer begins.

“Traditionally, summer is a time of reduced wildland fire activity in Virginia,” said John Miller, director of resource protection for the Virginia Department of Forestry. “But that may not be the case this summer as a lack of rain has made for drier than normal conditions. We’re seeing a number of human-caused fires in various areas across the Commonwealth. And with a 10-inch rain deficit so far this year, we could experience more wildland fires than usual.”

Over the past nine days, 11 of the 14 wildfires in Virginia were caused by debris burning, hot ashes, arson or vehicle operations. One home and two vehicles were lost in one of the debris burning fires. (The other three fires were caused by lightning.)

“Debris burning is the No. 1 cause of wildland fires in Virginia,” Miller said. “Typically, this activity is of greatest concern to us in the spring and fall when the lack of rain, low humidity, high winds and relatively warm temperatures make conditions ripe for wildland fires. Once ‘green up’ occurs in April, these weather factors change in our favor and the ban on burning before 4 p.m. (that is in effect from Feb. 15 through April 30 each year) ends.

“Along with the green grass and leaves on the trees, humidity levels increase and the fire danger, while always there, is lessened in the late spring and summer months. People who have postponed burning yard debris and other waste will perform this activity now. But this summer they will need to take more care while burning. The lack of rain has made trees, plants and grasses drier than normal – and that means they are more likely to burn and burn quickly,” he said.

Miller reminds anyone planning to burn to take the same precautions as they would in the spring and fall: clear the area around the site of the planned fire; keep a supply of water and tools (such as a shovel and a rake) nearby; stay with the fire the entire time it is burning, and ensure the fire is completely out before leaving the area.

“Anyone who intentionally or unintentionally starts a wildland fire is liable and responsible for that fire. In addition to any fine that could be levied, the person who started the fire is also responsible for the cost of suppressing the fire as well as any damage to neighboring properties – and these costs can add up quickly,” Miller said.

“This summer, just because things are green doesn’t mean they can’t and won’t burn,” Miller said.

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The Virginia Department of Forestry protects and develops healthy, sustainable forest resources for Virginians. Headquartered in Charlottesville, there are Forestry staff members assigned to every county to provide service to citizens of the Commonwealth. VDOF is an equal opportunity provider.

With nearly 16 million acres of forest land and more than 248,000 Virginians employed in the forest products industry, Virginia forests provide more than $30 billion annually in benefits to the Commonwealth.