CHRISTIANSBURG—The crackle of cozy campfires and the smell of burning leaves are classic signs of fall. With recent weeks of dry weather, foresters and fire investigators urge Virginians to use caution with outdoor fires.

September’s Hurricane Helene brought ample moisture, reducing the drought threat in the western areas of the state. However, the Virginia Department of Forestry reports that longer-term drought concerns persist in eastern areas and in northern portions of the Shenandoah Valley.

Though the general outlook for Virginia’s fall wildfire season is for normal activity, the last two fire seasons have been extremely active. Record-breaking fire seasons in the fall of 2023 resulted in 156 fires burning nearly 25,000 acres in the fall, and 411 fires burning 20,000 acres last spring.

Nine out of 10 wildfires are initiated by people, and the leading cause of wildfires in Virginia is carelessness associated with outdoor burning—“with escaped burning debris being the biggest offender,” said DOF Chief of Fire and Emergency Response John Miller. “Because these fires are accidental, this means they are also preventable.”

Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. investigators have responded to many accidental fires stemming from fire pits or burning leaves and yard debris.

“In most of the fires we see, the homeowner has gone inside for various reasons and the fire grows bigger or the wind picks up,” said VFBMIC senior claims investigator Todd Jones. “As a firefighter and investigator, we advise everyone, if possible, to never leave the fire unattended.”

Whether tidying the landscape or enjoying friends and firelight, have at least one form of extinguishment close by, he said.

“A bucket of water, a water hose or fire extinguisher,” Jones continued. “Make sure ashes are cold or watered down before leaving them. Weather changes, and they can come back to ‘life!’”

Also, become familiar with local burning laws and permit requirements.

Miller noted the commonwealth’s 4 p.m. burn law is in effect only during the spring, but Virginia residents should check in with local officials for fire restrictions or burning bans, especially during fire season.

“These (restrictions) often change with no advanced warning, based on fast-changing conditions,” he added.

To prevent and reduce the number of wildfires each year, VDOF recommends:

• Avoid burning on dry, windy days.
• Keep burn piles small, in flat areas, far from flammable vegetation.
• Keep a rake or shovel and a water source nearby.
• Stay with your fire until it is completely out (Drown, stir, ensure it’s cool, repeat as necessary).
• Completely soak cigarettes before disposing of them in a trash can.

Media: Contact Cory Swift, VDOF communications, at 434-365-8231; or Jones at 540-589-5260.