Fall wildfire season in Virginia began Oct. 15 and runs through Nov. 30. According to a press release, residents are being asked to be extra careful with anything that could cause a wildfire during this time.

“Hot, dry and windy conditions have fueled a number of wildfires that have wreaked havoc in California this week, and the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) has all of its emergency response equipment and personnel in an increased state of readiness,” officials said in a release.

The release cited that local fire departments will work closely with the VDOF to protect the citizens, property and resources of the Commonwealth, but they can’t do it alone. Wildfire prevention is still the best option.

“Before the rain this week, it had been more than 30 days since any measurable precipitation fell on the Commonwealth,” said Fred Turck, VDOF’s wildfire prevention manager. “That has us very concerned because when things are very dry they tend to burn much more quickly. And that makes battling a resulting wildfire that much harder and puts lives and property at risk.”

Because more than 96 percent of wildfires in Virginia are caused by human activity, most can be prevented if people take care to ensure their debris burning or campfire doesn’t escape their control.

“Before you light your fire, make sure winds are less than 15 miles per hour and that the relative humidity level is above 35 percent,” Turck said. “If the conditions aren’t right, please don’t ignite.”

The release cited that Fall is the time when some people burn their downed leaves, but there is an alternative.

“Stay with your fire until it is completely out, and remember that ashes can retain enough heat to ignite a fire for as many as a couple of days,” Turck said in the release.

While there isn’t a 4 p.m. Burn Law in effect statewide during the Fall, be sure to check with your local fire officials for any local restrictions or bans.