Latest news with #BurningLaw
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Red Flag Warning issued for Southwest, Central Virginia
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – Areas in Southwest and Central Virginia are under a Red Flag Warning for Wednesday, March 26. A Red Flag Warning means conditions are very dry and windy; if a fire develops, it could easily spread and become extreme in these weather conditions. Roanoke Fire & EMS share tips on fire escape plans & safety: Learn more Residents are advised to follow fire prevention tips and regulations. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. People should use extreme caution with campfires, fireworks, and other combustible materials such as cigarettes and cigars. Smoking materials should be properly extinguished and disposed of. It is important to listen to local officials for further updates and evacuations. As a reminder, Virginia's 4 p.m. Burning Law remains in effect through April 30th. Visit to view the latest fire alerts and updates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Pinpoint Weather: Warm Wednesday, showers Thursday
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — Unseasonably warm conditions are expected across Southwest and Central Virginia on Wednesday ahead of a passing cold front. Increasing southerly flow will result in warmer temperatures for Wednesday. Afternoon highs will top out in the 70s under mostly to partly sunny skies. The combination of low relative humidity, breezy winds, and dry grasses/brush will lead to an increased fire danger in Southwest and Central Virginia. Fires could rapidly spread in these conditions. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Virginia's 4 p.m. Burning Law remains in effect through April 30. The vernal equinox will occur early Thursday morning, marking the start of astronomical spring. During the equinox, the Earth's axis and its orbit line up so that both hemispheres get an equal amount of sunlight. A cold front will pass through on Thursday, bringing scattered rain showers to the area. There may be some rumbles of thunder, but the severe weather risk is very low. When it's not raining, partly to mostly cloudy skies will be overhead. Highs will be in the upper 50s and 60s. Winds will increase during the afternoon and nighttime hours. Mountain snow showers will develop Thursday night into early Friday morning. Overall, 0.5 – 1.5″ of snowfall is possible along the western slopes of Greenbrier and Pocahontas counties. Drier and cooler air will arrive on Friday behind the passing front. Blustery northwest winds will continue to impact the region. Morning temperatures will start in the 30s before rising into the 50s and lower 60s by the afternoon. Winds will decrease Friday night. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Pinpoint Weather: Spring-like warmth continues
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — High pressure will bring dry and warm air to Southwest and Central Virginia for the middle of the week. Plentiful sunshine is slated for Tuesday. Morning temperatures will start in the chilly 30s. By the afternoon, temperatures will be in the unseasonably warm upper 60s and lower/middle 70s. There is an increased fire danger along and west of the Blue Ridge on Tuesday due to dry grasses/brush, low relative humidity, and breezy winds. Rapid fire spread may occur in these conditions. As a reminder, Virginia's 4 p.m. Burning Law is in place The spring-like temperatures and abundant sunshine will continue into Wednesday. Highs will be in the upper 60s and 70s. Cloud cover will increase on Thursday, but the dry and warmer-than-average pattern will stay in place through Friday. Morning lows will be in the 40s while afternoon highs will reach the 60s and lower 70s. A strong cold front will move through Southwest and Central Virginia for the weekend. Rain showers are anticipated on Saturday and Sunday. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms may develop. The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted the potential risk for severe weather on both days. The WFXR Pinpoint Weather Team will continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Virginia Burn restrictions take effect until April, learn more
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – The Virginia Department of Forestry is advising residents of the 4 p.m. Burning Law going into effect on Saturday. The statewide burn ban goes into effect every year from February 15 through April 30. Some locations have different rules and regulations, and it is important to check with your locality before burning outdoors. This law bans open-air burning before 4 p.m. if the fire is 300 feet of dry grass or wooded areas. Burning is allowed after 4 p.m. to midnight as long as residents take precautionary measures and attend to the fire at all times. Violation of the 4 p.m. burning law is considered a Class 3 misdemeanor with a fine of $500. Debris is the number one cause of wildfires followed by 'arson' fires. The 4 p.m. Burning Law was adopted in the 1940s to reduce the number of wildfires that occur each spring. Virginia State Parks prepare campground reopening, burning restrictions in effect Virginia has seen an increase in fires within the region. During late winter and early spring, fires are more likely to occur due to increased winds, lower humidity, and dry tree leaves. After 4 p.m. winds usually trend down, and humidity levels rise. This law also applies to open-air burning meaning any outdoor fire not covered or contained within a non-flammable barrier and the fire does not go through a chimney. A campfire is an example of an open-air fire; however, they must fit the criteria including having a ring of rocks, cinderblocks, metal material, or a device to cover 1/4 of an inch. Flammable materials need to be removed from a 20-foot area around the fire. The law does not apply to charcoal or gas-fired grills, but charcoal grills in a park setting must obey the 4 p.m. Burning Law. The only exception to the burning law is when there is a camp host in the residence and the fire must be attended at all times. To learn more about the Code of Virginia laws regarding burning click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
