Henrico Fire Department sends safety reminder to residents following 75-acre brush fire

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — The Henrico County Division of Fire is sending a reminder to residents following Monday’s brush fire.

After the 75-acre brush fire in the Varina area that occurred on Monday, June 24, the Henrico County Division of Fire issued a summons to remind residents that burning trash is illegal and a permit is needed to burn yard debris.

According to the county, no injuries were reported from the brush fire that burned approximately 75 acres, but some properties were damaged.

“The incident shows that fire conditions are heightened due to dry conditions and extreme
heat,” said Henrico Fire Captain and Deputy Fire Marshal Justin Finan. “Burning trash is illegal in
Henrico, and you must have a permit from the Fire Marshal’s Office to burn yard debris. We’re
urging the community to exercise extreme caution during this ongoing dry spell.”

On Monday, June 24, a little after 5 p.m., Henrico Fire received a report of a brush fire in the area of Messer Road and New Market Road. The first units to arrive saw flames moving rapidly through a large field, progressing towards homes on the 1500 block of New Market Road.

According to the county, Henrico Fire utilized more than 25 different types of technical machinery provided by the Department of Forestry, Dominion Energy, Henrico Police and a local farmer to establish a fire-line barrier and prevent the fire from reaching four homes.

Henrico Fire also thanked the Metro Richmond Flying Squad for its help, providing hydration and rehabilitation at the scene.

The incident lasted about an hour and resulted in damaged fences, trees, a shed and a garage.

The Fire Marshal’s Office declared that the flames originated from a single-family home on New Market Road. The incident was ruled accidental. Investigators learned that a man had been burning paper products in a burn barrel on his property without a permit.

The Fire Marshal charged the man with carelessly damaging property by fire.

Fire officials told 8News that the man attempted to put out the fire, but it spread too fast due to dry ground and winds.

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