Firefighters working a brush fire in Bland County, VA on March 31, 2015.
Last week I covered a brush fire in Bland County that was quickly controlled thanks to the efforts of several county fire departments. It is the time of year when brush fires can easily get out of control quickly under the right conditions.
According to the Virginia department of Forestry: “Since forest fuels cure during the winter months, the danger of fire is higher in early spring than in summer when the forest and grasses are green with new growth.”
Dry air can enhance fire danger
When strong winds, low relative humidity and warm afternoon spring temperatures combine with the dried fuel, a high fire danger exists.
When a high danger of fire exists, the National Weather Service issues Red Flag Warnings. A Red Flag Warning was in effect while the fire in Bland County was burning. Very strong winds allowed the fire to spread quickly. One firefighter was treated for smoke inhalation and a hay barn was burned to the ground. Thankfully, no other serious injuries or property damage took place.
Remember that if Red Flag Warnings are issued, refrain from any outdoor burning.
According to the NWS, a Red Flag Warning is: A term used by fire-weather forecasters to call attention to limited weather conditions of particular importance that may result in extreme burning conditions. It is issued when it is an on-going event or the fire weather forecaster has a high degree of confidence that Red Flag criteria will occur within 24 hours of issuance. Red Flag criteria occurs whenever a geographical area has been in a dry spell for a week or two, or for a shorter period , if before spring green-up or after fall color, and the National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) is high to extreme and the following forecast weather parameters are forecasted to be met:
1) a sustained wind average 15 mph or greater
2) relative humidity less than or equal to 25 percent and
3) a temperature of greater than 75 degrees F.
In some states, dry lightning and unstable air are criteria. A Fire Weather Watch may be issued prior to the Red Flag Warning.
As for outdoor burning laws, here is what is currently in effect.
Virginia
The 4:00 p.m. Burning Law states: from February 15 through April 30 of each year, no burning before 4:00 p.m. is permitted, if the fire is in, or within 300 feet of, woodland, brushland or fields containing dry grass or other flammable material.
West Virginia
West Virginia’s spring forest fire season started March 1, 2015, and runs through May 31, 2015. During these three months, daytime burning is prohibited from the hours of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Outdoor burning is permitted only between the hours of 5 p.m. and 7 a.m.
State law requires a ring or safety strip around outdoor fires to keep the fire from spreading into the woods. This safety strip must be cleared of all burnable material and be at least 10 feet wide completely around the debris pile.
Additional requirements of the state’s fire laws include staying on-site until the fire is extinguished and burning only vegetative materials like leaves, brush and yard clippings.