Caroline, Virginia – Caroline County Fire-EMS Chief David Layman has announced a period of significant wildfire danger due to the extremely dry conditions found countywide in Caroline County. Over the last month, extreme high temperatures and the significant lack of rain have created an extremely hazardous environment. Caroline has large areas of forest and wooded land. Parched vegetation have contributed to the fuel load; making for an even more dangerous situation.  

 

According to the Virginia Department of Forestry, the fire occurrence conditions in Caroline are at a very high level. This means that fires start readily, spread quickly, their resistance to control is high, and there is the potential for large fires.     

 

Even with the chance of some predicted showers Saturday evening, the rainfall will not be enough to alleviate this condition. To protect the health and safety of citizens and protect the property in Caroline County, a “No Open Burning” ban will begin at 3:00PM on July 7, 2010.   This ban on open burning will last until the threat has subsided.  

  

Citizens are requested to completely extinguish smoking materials before discarding them. The Emergency “NO OPEN BURNING” declaration prohibits outdoor burning of any kind. To include any debris, substance, or material as well as yard waste (leaves, brush, stumps, & limbs) and other related materials.   

 

Any signs of a fire, including brush or woods fires, should be reported immediately by calling 911. Grasses and brush are particularly vulnerable to rapid fire spread. Keep all debris away from houses and open structures.  

 

For more information, contact the office of Fire-Rescue & Emergency Management at (804) 633-9831.