| Contact Information | Date |
|---|---|
| For Immediate Release Contact: Donna Wilson Southwest Virginia Fire Prevention Team 540.797.6241 |
Oct. 30, 2007 |
Wildfire Information Update
The following is a brief update of where Virginia is regarding the wildfire conditions. If you would like someone to do a live-update for your station, please contact me at the above phone number.
- Based on the return to fire weather and the continuing problems from a long-term drought , which was not eliminated from last week’s rain, the statewide burning ban will remain in place until future notice.
- Virginia’s drought and woody fuel moisture indices are well above our 10-year average. This means that the recent rain took us from an “extreme” level back to a “severe” level in terms of wildfire potential—this is not at all where we want to be at this time of the year!
- We are very fortunate to have received the recent rainfall; unfortunately, more is still needed. Rainfall is the only thing that can restore a more favorable condition.
- The sunny and breezy conditions from this weekend are expected to continue through this week. This, combined with the remaining leaf fall, increases the chances for wildfire activity. (We have already experienced two small wildfires in the last couple days.)
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For more information, please contact your local office of the Virginia Department of Forestry or the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest at the U.S. Forest Service.