Brush Fire Burns Two Acres in Altavista

ALTAVISTA – A brush fire was put out by firefighters just in the nick of time Thursday, March 14.

The two-acre brush fire was reported in the 1600 block of Avondale Drive.

Crews responded immediately after the initial call came into dispatch at 1:50 p.m. The fire was being driven by strong wind gusts and was spreading quickly towards nearby homes.

Six units, including one from the Virginia Department of Forestry, were able to knock the fire out quickly.

The Virginia Spring Fire Season continues through April 30. It is illegal to burn outside before 4 p.m. within 300 feet of brush and woodland.

Brush fires become a danger during the spring months for several reasons. Added daylight and warmer temperatures work to decrease the relative humidity in the air because the moisture content remains the same as the temps rise. High winds brought on by frequent storm systems and cold fronts are also result of the changing seasons. The wind helps to dry out leaves and brush. Finally, due to extreme wind events, there are lots of downed trees and tree limbs, some of which were dead to begin with.

Several days of dry weather will continue well into next week. Be very mindful that a wet year doesn’t mean conditions aren’t ripe for brush fires.