High Winds Raise Threat of Wildfires   Richmond, VA (Nov. 13, 2015) - Strong, gusty winds and low relative humidity have fire officials on alert across Virginia, with the threat being highest in the western 1/3 of the Commonwealth. Residents are asked to be extra careful with anything that could start a wildfire today. “With sustained winds in the 25 to 30 mile per hour range and gusts up to 50, the potential for wildfires to start and grow quickly is very high,” said Ed Stoots, Virginia Department of Forestry’s regional forester in Salem. “Please don’t burn anything today and don’t flick your cigarette butt out of your window -- any source of ignition will likely lead to a wildfire today.” Thursday afternoon, a wildfire quickly grew to more than 50 acres in Roanoke County as strong winds pushed the flames through dry grass and leaves. “I know people are thinking that the threat of a wildfire is pretty low given the amount of rain we’ve had recently, but the wind acts just like a hairdryer,” Stoots said. “No matter how wet you got your hair in the shower, a few minutes of blow drying removes all of that moisture.” According to Fred Turck, VDOF’s assistant director of resource protection, 96 percent of wildfires in Virginia are caused by the actions of people. “So, if folks can be extra careful today, which includes not burning debris today and keeping a close eye on their campfires, they can lessen the risk of starting a wildfire,” he said. Smokey Bear and his friends at the Virginia Department of Forestry also encourage everyone who has done any burning in the last seven days to check the burn pile and ensure there aren’t any still-warm embers that will be blown by today’s winds into leaves or dry grass and ignite a wildfire. If someone does see a wildfire ignite or escape his/her control, call 9-1-1 immediately because the combination of high winds and low humidity will likely mean the fire will grow quickly and threaten the lives and properties of those nearby.

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