More than 400 wildfires suppressed during Virginia’s spring fire season

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- More than 400 wildfires have been suppressed in the Commonwealth during this year's spring fire season, according to the Virginia Department of Forestry.

From Feb. 15 to April 30 -- spring fire season -- the Virginia Department of Forestry responded to 437 wildfires that burned 8,105 acres and damaged 66 structures, including 22 homes.

The department said that the main cause of spring wildfires was escaped debris, and that the decrease in acres burned is mainly because this year is a wetter season.

“Compared to last year’s extreme fire activity, this spring fire season was only slightly above our 10-year average of approximately 350 wildfires and 6,200 acres burned, “said DOF Chief of Fire and Emergency Response John Miller. “This return to average activity can likely be attributed to the periodic rainfalls many areas received. However, Hurricane Helene, as well as recent winter storms, generated significant amounts of woody debris, which increased fuel loads and created access challenges in some areas. Debris generated by Helene will pose a challenge for at least the next five years in southwest Virginia.”

According to the department, they saved 426 homes and 304 other structures, which is estimated to be about $79 million. Last year, 328 wildfires burned 19,440 acres during the 2024 spring fire season.

While spring fire season is over, fall fire season will start on Oct. 15. As a result, the department shared the following tips to help Virginians prevent wildfires:

• 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

To learn more about wildfire prevention and check daily wildfire conditions, visit the Virginia Department of Forestry's website.