Today, around 1710, Carrollton Volunteers were dispatched to a brush fire at the 24000 block of Sugar Hill road. CVFD units arrived to find fire in approximately 1/4 acre wooded area and spreading towards the marsh. Units were on scene for 50 minutes, with lines were deployed from Brush 10, & Engine 10 supplying additional water.

As a reminder, the 4PM Burn Law is in effect. The 4 p.m. Law is a ban (or restriction) on open air burning before 4 o’clock in the afternoon if your fire is within 300 feet of the woods or dry grass which can carry the fire to the woods. You are allowed to burn between 4 p.m and midnight as long as you take proper care and precaution and attend your fire at all times.

Debris burning is the number one cause of wildfires, closely followed by intentionally set or “arson” fires. The 4 PM Burning Law was adopted during the 1940s to reduce the number of wildfires which occurred each spring, when Virginia has traditionally seen an increased number of fires.

Fires are more likely during late winter and early spring because winds are usually elevated, the relative humidity is lower, and the fuels on the forest floor are extremely dry, having “cured” all winter without the shade of tree leaves. After 4:00 p.m., winds usually calm down and the relative humidity levels rise, both of which reduce the potential for a debris fire or any outdoor open-air fire to escape.

Responding units- 101, 102, 103, 118, Engine 10, Brush 10 & Utility 10