Rain showers over the last few days haven’t been enough to end the drought this region’s currently under. Some counties have burn bans now in place, while others say they’re continuing to monitor the situation.
Cumberland County was the first to take steps, banning open air burning back on June 24, according to Fire and EMS Chief Andy Aigner.
“The extreme heat has significantly increased the risk to our volunteer firefighters and the broader community,” a press release at the time from Cumberland stated, adding that there had been a rise in brush fires associated with the heat. “This measure is essential to safeguard public safety and reduce the strain on our emergency response resources.”
Other counties in our area are in wait and see mode. Cody Davis, Department of Emergency Services director and chief in Buckingham County, said the county is monitoring the situation closely but is not yet planning to issue a burn ban.
“As we monitor, we look at weather conditions (temperature, precipitation, humidity, etc.),” he said. Other considerations are whether there is an increase in calls for brush and wildfires as well as the season — whether vegetation is green and healthy or brown and dormant, and how likely locals are to be burning at home for seasonal activities such as burning leaves.
“We also typically work closely with our partners at Virginia Department of Forestry and the local volunteer fire departments,” Davis said. “Getting their input and opinion is valued. Right now, the green, lively vegetation and lack in burning for leaf removal are helping. We will continue to monitor and hope for rain.”
Trey Pyle, emergency management coordinator for Prince Edward County, said the county is monitoring weather conditions and does not currently plan to enact a countywide burn ban.
“Even though the current conditions are dry for agriculture, due to the daily relative humidity levels being over 70%, the likelihood of a wildfire having rapid growth that is uncontrollable is low,” Pyle said. “Citizens are still urged to use caution with burning or discarding cigarettes as small fires can easily start in areas with dry grass.”
Drought watch continues
Central and Southside Virginia remain under a drought watch. Even with rain in the forecast for this weekend, officials are monitoring conditions, concerned about the potential for wildfires.
“That sort of conveys how dry things are,” said Cory Swift, communications specialist for the Virginia Department of Forestry. “When things are this dry, things like vegetation and forests are more readily combustible.”
The combination of dry conditions and high temperatures mean a high fire risk, and the occasional windy day escalates the danger further, Swift said.
Swift said people can take a variety of measures to help prevent the start of a wildfire under drought conditions.
“People can forget how easy it is to start a wildfire under these conditions,” Swift said.
Among the tips Swift gave for extreme caution:
• Obey any local burn bans.
• Consider postponing debris burning, even if there is no burn ban in place in your area.
• Be extra cautious with any sort of fire, even campfires or grills, even if there is no burn ban in place in your area.
• Dispose of cigarettes properly.
• Avoid using fireworks.
• Use lawnmowers early in the morning, when relative humidity is higher.
• Use caution not to strike rocks with the lawnmower blade, as doing so can create sparks that ignite vegetation.
• Avoid dragging chains or anything from a vehicle that can throw sparks.
• Avoid driving or parking vehicles on dry grass.
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