152 wildfires suppressed, 1,733 acres burned amid fall fire season: Virginia Department of Forestry

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- With more than 152 wildfires suppressed and thousands of acres burned amid Virginia's fall fire season, the Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) is warning of ongoing fire risk heading into the wintry months.

The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) announced on Thursday, Dec. 11, that the Commonwealth's fall fire season -- which ran from Oct. 15 to Nov. 30 -- has ended, but warned that the threat of wildfires will not go away anytime soon.

The department said that crews suppressed 152 wildfires that burned 1,733 acres and damaged
two outbuildings, as well as protected 36 homes and 39 other structures with a total value estimated to be over $10 million.

In the fall of 2024, DOF suppressed 83 wildfires that burned 2,444 acres.

“Although the fall fire season has ended, the threat of wildfire is always present, especially with most of the state registering as moderately or abnormally dry according to the Virginia Drought Monitoring Task Force,” said Chief of Fire and Emergency Response John Miller. “The leading cause of wildfires remains escaped debris burning. Even if there are no fire restrictions in place in your area, we encourage those in drought areas to delay all outdoor burning until conditions improve. Please stay informed by following guidance from local officials.”

Crews use leafblowers, Pulaski's, chainsaws, rakes and shovels to remove fuels in the path of a large wildfire in Quaker Run, Madison County on Oct. 30 (Photo: Virginia Department of Forestry)

Firefighters push to stop the spread of a massive wildfire in Quaker Run, Madison County. The fire has since been contained. (Photo: Virginia Department of Forestry)

The Virginia Department of Forestry is helping local fire departments fight back a 20-acre wildfire in Madison County. (Photo: Virginia Department of Forestry)

Due to dry conditions this winter season, officials urge Virginians to follow these tips when burning debris:

• Check with local officials before burning
• Avoid burning if your locality is in a drought
• Avoid burning on dry, windy days
• Keep your burn pile small
• Stay with your fire until it’s completely out (drown, stir, drown again, ensure it’s cool)
• Have a rake or shovel and charged water hose on hand
• Have a phone ready to call 911 if a fire escapes your control
• Consider a “green” alternative to burning yard debris: compost your organic yard waste

For more information, visit the DOF's website.