Prince George sees 7 brush, outdoor fires in less than 2 days

PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Prince George County firefighters have battled seven brush and outdoor fires in just a day and a half.

Just after 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 7, crews with Prince George County Fire and EMS were called to the 2000 block of Clary Road for report of a brush fire.

When they arrived, firefighters found a brush fire that had spread to a nearby shed. They quickly began efforts to put out the fire, successfully keeping it from causing any further damage to surrounding property. Thankfully, no one was hurt.

Scene of a Jan. 8 brush fire on Clary Road in Prince George. (Photo: Prince George County Fire and EMS)

Scene of a Jan. 8 brush fire on Clary Road in Prince George. (Photo: Prince George County Fire and EMS)

Thursday night's incident marked the seventh brush or outdoor fire that its crews had seen in less than 36 hours, according to officials. This includes a Jan. 7 brush fire on Irwin Road, where firefighters worked hard to protect nearby homes from the spreading flames.

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Officials are asking the public to do their part to reduce brush fires in the county. Here's a few tips:

• Never toss your cigarette butts onto the ground or out of your vehicle windows. Instead, properly dispose of your smoking materials
• Clear dry leaves and vegetation away from your homes and outbuildings, creating a defensible space between your house and any brush that may catch fire
• Keep flammable items like firewood and gasoline away from structures
• Use caution when operating outdoor equipment

If you come across an unattended or spreading brush fire, officials ask that you immediately call 911. You should never try to fight a fast-moving fire on your own.

"Thank you for doing your part in helping us all stay safe," Prince George County Fire and EMS said.