Latest news with #VirginiaDepartmentofForestry
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Evacuations lifted in Bland County, wildfire 35% contained
BLAND COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) – A wildfire in Bland County caused many to evacuate after flames broke out on Thursday, March 28. According to the Virginia Department of Forestry, the fire is on Laurel Fork Road and East River Mountain Road and was about 200 acres in size and 35% contained. Seasonal 4 PM Burning Law begins Feb. 15 Bland County Emergency Services said that residents who were evacuated were able to return to their homes later on in the evening on Thursday. The VDF say State Forestry crews will continue to stay in the area along Laurel Folk Road. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Active wildfire in Pulaski County closes Millers Creek Road, 5 acres
PULASKI COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) – The Pulaski County Emergency Management is reporting an active wildfire in the Millers Creek Road area near Gatewood. Units are on scene and are working to contain the fire and Millers Creek Road will be closed until further notice. Seasonal 4 PM Burning Law begins Feb. 15 Smoke may be seen and smelled by residents throughout the county today. No homes are threatened at this time and there are no reported injuries. According to the Virginia Department of Forestry, the fire is approximately five acres in size. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Yahoo
Virginia's annual 4 p.m. burning restriction begins Saturday
VIRGINIA (WJHL) — Virginia's annual 4 p.m. burning restriction goes into effect Saturday. The restriction will be in effect from February 15 to April 30. The law bans open-air burning before 4 p.m. if the fire is within 300 feet of the woods or dry grass that could carry into the woods, according to the Virginia Department of Forestry. Burning is allowed between 4 p.m. and midnight. Johnson City to pay out $28M to settle Sean Williams/JCPD-related 'Jane Doe' lawsuit The department encourages Virginia residents to check local laws as some localities may have other restrictions. Violating the 4 p.m. burning law is a Class 3 misdemeanor with a fine of up to $500. For more information about the ban, visit the Virginia Department of Forestry's website. 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's statewide burn restrictions to take effect
VIRGINIA () — It's that time of the year again, and the Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) announced the state's '4 PM Burning Law' will take effect on Feb. 15. Starting on Saturday, any open-air burning before 4 p.m. will be prohibited across the Commonwealth. However, all burning after 4 p.m. until midnight each night is allowed, as long as the fire is monitored, at all times. Officials said if the fire is within 300 feet of the woods or dry grass it can cause a fire to ignite. DC florist on Valentine's Day demand The law does not apply to charcoal or gas-fired barbecue grills. But, open-air charcoal grills must comply with the law. 'Even if a person takes all proper precautions and obtains any locally required permits, whoever started the fire is responsible for suppressions costs should the fire escape. Violation of the 4 PM Burning Law is a Class 3 misdemeanor with a fine of not more than $500,' said the DOF on its website. According to the DOF, the 4 PM Burning Law was adopted during the 1940s to reduce wildfires in the spring across Virginia. The department said fires are most likely to occur during later winter and early spring because winds are usually elevated. During this time, the humidity is low and the fuels on the forest floor are extremely dry. After 4 p.m., winds typically calm down and the humidity level rises. The 4 PM Burning Law will remain in place until April 30. 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.
