newshigh fire danger virginia
Local

High fire danger in Virginia

Contributors

virginia department of forestryEscalated fire weather conditions will be present over the Commonwealth of Virginia Thursday.

“Strong, dry winds will combine with above-normal temperatures and low relative humidity to increase the potential for fast-spreading wildfires,” said John Miller, director of resource protection for the Virginia Department of Forestry.   “Wildfires occurring under these conditions represent a dangerous threat to people and property. Care should be used when considering any outdoor activities that could lead to an accidental fire start,” Miller said.

The Virginia Department of Forestry has wildland firefighting resources across Virginia and is working with local response departments to monitor the situation closely.

State Forester Bettina Ring said, “Vigilance and preventative measures are encouraged against human-caused wildfires – the leading cause of wildfires in the Commonwealth.  We strongly encourage citizens to:

–      Postpone outdoor burning until conditions improve.

–      With high fire danger, caution should be used with any outdoor activity that may cause a spark. It takes only one spark to start a wildfire.

–      Dispose of smoking materials properly. Extinguish them in an ash tray. Don’t throw them out of a vehicle’s window or toss them into a pile of mulch outside a building.

–      Avoid parking and idling a vehicle in tall, dry grass. Catalytic converters can get hot enough to ignite the grass under a vehicle.

–      Avoid setting hot chainsaws or other hot, gas-powered equipment in dry grass.

Miller said, “Wildfires burning in grass can spread and grow extremely fast. It is important that if you spot a wildfire you report it immediately to local authorities. A quick response can help save lives and property.”

For more information, visit the VDOF website at www.dof.virginia.gov.

Contributors

Contributors

Have a story idea or a news tip? Email editor Chris Graham at [email protected]. Subscribe to AFP podcasts on Apple PodcastsSpotifyPandora and YouTube.

Latest News

PATCH summer camp harrisonburg police department
Culture

Summer camp gives teens behind-the-scenes look at police department, teaches five core values

ivy creek foundation logo
Culture

June Ivy Talk to focus on African American cemeteries in Central Virginia

The June Ivy Talk will focus on African American cemeteries in Central Virginia as well as information crucial to the stories of the Black families who lived and worked in the area for hundreds of years.

albemarle county police department new officers
Local

Albemarle County Police welcomes five new officers to the department

Five recruits have now graduated from the Central Shenandoah Criminal Justice Academy and are now part of a new class of officers joining the Albemarle County Police Department.

deflated basketball
Sports

Virginia Athletics doesn’t want to play a serious NIL game: How this affects UVA hoops

vsu bulldozer damage
Virginia

Petersburg man in custody after stealing bulldozer, going on rampage

vietnam war memorial
U.S./World

Remembering Americans: Parents mourn hero son killed in Vietnam in 1968

baseball
Sports

Fredericksburg Nationals make it three in a row, defeat Salem Red Sox, 8-5