Wildfire season begins Feb. 15

Published 11:11 am Thursday, February 8, 2018

CHARLOTTESVILLE — As wildfire season approaches, an increased threat is expected in some areas of Virginia. Factors influencing this risk include a lingering lack of rain, minimal snowfall and continued growth into areas where development and natural areas meet.

“More than 60 percent of Virginia’s annual average of 1,000 wildfires occur in the spring — with March and April historically being the most active months,” officials said in the press release. “Escaped fires from debris burning and arson continue to be Virginia’s leading cause of wildfires.”

The release cited that to help reduce the number of wildfires this time of year, the Commonwealth’s 4 p.m. Burning Law goes into effect Feb. 15.

Email newsletter signup

“The law prohibits open burning between the hours of midnight and 4 p.m. each day. Burning is permitted between the hours of 4 p.m. and midnight.” officials said in the release. “However, if weather conditions are such that a fire is likely to escape, officials at the Virginia Department of Forestry encourage people to refrain from burring, regardless of the time.”