Safety Urged After Record-Breaking Fire Seasons In VA

VIRGINIA — Officials are taking precautions and urging the public to implement safety measures as fall fire season gets underway in Virginia.

This year's fall fire season started Tuesday and comes on the heels of record-breaking spring and fall 2023 seasons, the Virginia Department of Forestry said in a release. The last two seasons combined saw 567 fires burn through 45,000 acres of land.

The last time Virginia experienced such damaging fire seasons was more than 30 years ago, officials said.

While Hurricane Helene provided much-needed moisture to parts of the state, longer-term drought conditions remain in eastern Virginia and northern portions of the Shenandoah Valley.

From now until Nov. 30, the Department of Forestry is asking Virginians to take extra caution when engaging in fire-related activities including burning yard debris, having campfires or using backyard fire pits.

“It may surprise some to learn that the majority of wildfires are caused by people, with escaped burning debris being the biggest offender,” Department of Forestry Chief of Fire and Emergency Response John Miller said in a release. “Because these fires are accidental, this means they are also preventable."

Here are a few tips Virginians should follow when burning during fall fire season:

• Avoid having a fire on dry, windy days.
• Keep burn piles small and in flat areas, far from flammable vegetation.
• Keep a rake or shovel and a water source nearby.
• Have your phone ready to call 911 in case of emergency
• Stay with your fire until it is completely out (drown, stir, ensure it’s cool, repeat as necessary.)
• Completely soak cigarettes before disposing of them in a trash can.
• Check in with local officials in your area for local fire restrictions or burning bans, especially during fire season.

Visit the DOF’s website to learn more about the fall fire season.