Elevated risk for fire throughout most of Virginia until rain arrives Wednesday

There is an elevated risk for fire through this afternoon throughout much of Virginia.

North Carolina and South Carolina are dealing with more than 170 wildfires prompting evacuations and a state of emergency. Unfortunately, a fire danger warning has also been issued for both states today. The fires are the result of dry fuels, limited rainfall and low rainfall in the Carolinas, according to the US Forest Service.

In Virginia, the areas included in the advisory include Augusta, Rockbridge, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Albemarle, Greene, Highland, Loudoun and Montgomery counties, according to the National Weather Service.

Grass, brush and tree litter is very dry in the Commonwealth, according to the advisory. Any ignition source may quickly get out of control this afternoon due to increasing wind speeds and lower humidity.

Widespread showers are expected Wednesday which should diminish the fire risk throughout the state.

Before burning outside, it is recommended you check with local authorities about temporary burn bans.

Wildfires need fuel, oxygen/air and heat to ignite, according to the Virginia Department of Forestry.

The Shenandoah National Park was forced to close portions of the Skyline Drive and Appalachian Trail last March due to a wildfire.

In 2024, Virginia reported 608 wildfires with 45,000 acres burned in the fall and spring seasons. In 2023, there were 156 wildfires with 25,000 acres burned.

For more information, visit https://www.weather.gov/lwx/fire

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