VA Spring Fire Season arrives

Virginia Department of Forestry used by permission from VDF Communication Specialist Cory Swift-Turner

The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) announces the start of spring fire season and reminds residents that the state’s annual 4 p.m. burning law takes effect February 15th through April 30th.

The law prohibits outdoor burning between midnight and 4 p.m. within 300 feet of woods or dry grass.

Violations are a Class 3 misdemeanor and can carry fines up to $500.

Violators can also be responsible for liability of damages if a fire escapes.

The law does not apply to charcoal or gas-fired barbecue grills.

To learn more about Virginia’s 4 p.m. burning law, visit DOF’s website.

Officials say despite recent winter storms, dry conditions have already led to dozens of wildfires this year.

Residents are urged to follow safety precautions, check for local burn bans, and call 911 immediately if a fire gets out of control.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

VDEQ expands drought watch advisories

emergency funding for homeless

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), in coordination with the Virginia Drought Monitoring Task Force, has expanded the drought watch advisory to now include 38 counties.

A drought watch advisory  includes the following areas:  Augusta, Clarke, Frederick, Page, Rockingham, Shenandoah, and Warren counties.

The past thirty days have seen below normal precipitation levels over the entirety of the Commonwealth.

Above-average temperatures and scant precipitation have led to decreases in soil moisture profiles for the eastern and central regions of Virginia and notable decreases in streamflow in the eastern and northeastern regions .

Groundwater levels in most of the Commonwealth remain low and continue to exhibit seasonal and drought-related declines.

Three of the 13 evaluation regions are in less than the 5th percentile.

The 8-14 day weather forecast predicts normal to above normal temperatures and chances of slightly below average precipitation.

Storage at major water supply reservoirs remain within normal ranges. DEQ is working with local governments, public water works, and water users in the affected areas to ensure that conservation and drought response plans and ordinances are followed.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Frederick, Shenandoah counties undergo burn ban

frederick county fire marshal's office

Frederick and Shenandoah County are issuing a temporary ban on open-air burning, due to extremely dry conditions, until further notice.

This includes but is not limited to, bonfires, brush burning, and the use of fire pits that could present a fire risk.

The recent dry weather created dangerous fire conditions across the counties, significantly increasing the risk of wildfires.

Local fire departments were put on alert, and county officials are urging everyone to exercise extreme caution and adhere to all fire-related restrictions.

Outdoor grills only should be used in areas that are clear of dry grass and brush.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Complete fire ban

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) has issued a complete ban on any open air burning, such as campfires and grills, on all DWR properties west of Interstate 95 effective immediately.

This ban will remain in effect until further notice due to the extremely dry conditions that began in October.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Extreme fire danger for Page County

page county election coverage

Due to the lack of rain for the last six months, and the extremely dry conditions across Page County, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has declared a drought warning.

The conditions are favorable for rapid spread fire that has the potential to impact life and safety, can cause threat to property and create widespread hazards.

It is highly suggested that there be no open air burning countywide.

Drought and weather conditions will continue to be monitored to keep the local state of emergency justified for the citizens of Page County.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Frederick County Fire and Rescue respond to 20 incidents in 1 day

In an email from Frederick County Fire and Rescue (FCFR) the crews had an exceptionally busy Mon. Dec. 6.

The email reports that FCFR responded to 20 incidents on Mon..

Eleven of those incidents directly involved the high winds and dry conditions.

Four wood fires were reported in a three hour period.

Preliminary indications are that many of the incidents were indeed a direct result of the winds causing downed trees, downed and arching power lines.

Those fires were then fueled by the strong winds and dry conditions.

FCFR crews were able to control the fires in a short period of time.

It is not known at this time exactly how many acres were burned in the fires.

According to station Meteorologist Kemp Miller high winds are likely to occur this weekend with again dry conditions.

It is advised that you use caution when burning or do not burn anything during sustained winds.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

WCFR and other first responders have been busy for several days

Several social media posts indicate that first responders have been kept busy over the past couple of days during the high winds and dry conditions.

Several downed trees and power lines were reported down by the winds last night in the Shenandoah Valley.

Warren County Fire and Rescue (WCFR) posted that they dealt with several fires since last Thur. Dec. 2.

On Dec. 2 Warren County responded to a fire near the Front Royal airport that required the assistance of the VA. Department of Forestry.

Later on Dec. 2 Fauquier County requested assistance with a woods fire in Markham.

A fire yesterday in the Limeton area had spread from a structure and threatened the nearby woods.

All these incidents were brought under control quickly thanks to the actions of the first responders.

You are reminded to be cautious or not burn at all during sustained winds and dry conditions.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.