Due to a combination of factors, including unseasonably warm winter months and a rare lack of precipitation, farmers and crop insurance agents in certain regions of Virginia should be aware of the risk fires pose to harvests.

Richmond's WTVR explained that April has seen a plethora of Red Flag Warnings because of strong winds and a high drought monitor. Around 10.6 percent of Virginia has been declared moderately dry, while nearly 62.5 percent is considered abnormal in terms of drought, and, according to the source, 14,000 of acres have already been destroyed by forest fires.

Regional forester for the Virginia Department of Forestry's Eastern Region Toni Noreika told the Daily Press that Virginia's spring fire season lasts from mid-February until early May, but the dryness and humidity seems to be particularly bad this year. Noreika said that though summer months should bring some relief, fire dangers will appear again in the fall.

The Virginian-Pilot cited National Weather Service information that warns farmers need to be particularly cautious when starting up farm equipment, the ignition of which could start a fire in the dry conditions.