Dry conditions can lead to brush fires – so how can you stay safe?

BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) – The recent drought here in West Virginia is affecting all facets of life including our own vegetation.

Given how dry it has been, all it takes is one spark to start up even a small brush fire.

High winds especially can aggravate the issue, causing brush fires to spread out of control.

So, as Smokey the Bear puts it, only you can prevent forest fires – but how do you actively prevent them?

Lieutenant Chris Lanna with the Beckley Fire Department said the city of Beckley has been lucky so far, but discourages any outdoor burning.

As it stands right now, I would just discourage any sort of outdoor burning. If you have brush piles or something like that, pile the stuff up, wait for it to get some moisture, and get well hydrated before you light off and outdoor burning that you have prepared for the fall.”

Lieutenant Chris Lanna with Beckley Fire Department

Lanna always tries to promote best practices when it comes to the current dry conditions.

Try to keep any leaves or dried brush away from your home just to mitigate the hazard of a potential brush fire.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.