| Contact Information | Date |
|---|---|
| For Immediate Release Contact: Gregg O’Donnell 434.220.9098 or 434.989.0665 |
December 1, 2008 VDOF-08032 |
Fall 2008 Fire Season Ends
Virginia’s fall wildland fire season ended yesterday on a relatively quiet note – much like the entire 47-day period. Officials with the Virginia Department of Forestry responded to 67 fires that burned 304 acres – numbers that are in stark contrast to the 2008 spring fire season that saw 1,244 fires burn more than 26,256 acres across the Commonwealth.
“The wet weather this fall really made the difference,” said John Miller, VDOF’s director of resource protection. “Throughout the fall fire season, virtually all portions of Virginia received solid amounts of rainfall every few days. This helped reduce the threat of wildland fire.”
During the fall fire season (October 15 – November 30) last year, the Commonwealth experienced 148 fires that burned 1,471 acres.
“While we are pleased that there were far fewer fires this fall than last fall, we are already looking ahead to make sure that we are ready for whatever comes our way next March and April,” Miller said. “All the leaves, twigs and branches that came down during the last few weeks will dry out over the winter and become fuel for wildland fires in the spring.”
Miller reminds everyone that just because the “official” fall fire season has ended, it doesn’t mean that wildland fires can’t still occur – they can. So continue to take great care anytime you use fire in or near Virginia’s woodlands. And pay special attention to the ashes from your fireplace and/or woodstove as they can retain enough heat to ignite a fire for several days. Put ashes in a metal can, slowly stir in water, and keep them in the metal can for at least three days before dumping them out.
For more information on what you can do to prevent a wildland fire, log on to www.dof.virginia.gov or www.firewisevirginia.org.
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