The Virginia Department of Forestry has extended the fall fire season to December 10 because of dry conditions.
Fall fire season in Virginia normally runs from October 15 to November 30. In November, crews responded to 73 fires which burned 1,133 acres.
“Looking ahead into December, we don’t see a significant break in the overall rainfall pattern and are, therefore, planning for continued fire activity,” John Miller, director of resource protection at VDOF, wrote in a news release. “Extending our readiness level beyond fire season helps ensure our personnel availability for emergency fire response heading into early December.”
More than 95% of wildfires that occur in Virginia are the result of human activity. The agency would like to remind residents to safely dispose hot ashes or burning debris to prevent the chance of wildfires.
