Burn barrel sparks two-to-three-acre brush fire in Prince George County, officials say

PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- A burn barrel reportedly sparked a two-to-three-acre brush fire in Prince George County Monday evening.

At around 7:15 p.m. on Monday, March 23, Prince George County Fire and EMS crews were dispatched to the 10000 block of Walton Lake Road for a reported brush fire, according to a social media post by officials.

Firefighters said the call was briefly upgraded to a structure fire based on initial reports, but a crew that arrived on scene confirmed that the incident actually involved a brush fire only.

Officials said that crews from each station responded, and the Virginia Department of Forestry assisted in controlling the fire. Roughly two to three acres reportedly burned.

No residents or civilians were injured, officials said, but one firefighter was injured when a tree fell. The firefighter reportedly had no burn injuries, was treated, and was since released from the hospital.

Officials determined that the fire originated from trash burning in a burn barrel. Residents reportedly thought the fire was out, but firefighters said winds rekindled the blaze and allowed the fire to spread.

(Photo: Prince George County Fire and EMS)

(Photo: Prince George County Fire and EMS)

(Photo: Prince George County Fire and EMS)

Prince George County Fire and EMS reminded residents that Virginia's 4 p.m. burn law and seasonal burning restrictions remain in effect.

"We’re urging residents to avoid outdoor burning during restricted hours, never leave any fire unattended, and ensure all fires are completely extinguished with water and thoroughly cooled before walking away," officials said in the post. "Always check current local burning regulations before burning."