In a year that already has seen fire leave its mark on 25,000 private acres, Virginia’s Department of Forestry reminds residents the fall fire season starts on Wednesday.
Foresters stress caution when it comes to campfires and any open fires as the cool, dry days of autumn make forestland especially susceptible to flame.
Since Jan. 1, Virginia has had more acres burn than in each of the last 45 years. Through Oct. 7, there have been 1,243 wildland fires that have scorched 25,734 acres.
In an average year, fires consume a total of 10,500 acres.
Fire season in Virginia runs through Nov. 30.
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