KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) – West Virginia is home to many forests across the state, but as pre-fall fire season is set to start in October, there have already been a lot of forest fires.
Regional Forester for Region Five Kevin Arnold said the region has had 52 forest and grassland fires since July 1st and 164 fires across the state.
Arnold says this is not normal for the summer and because of the drought.
“Way worse, way worse then we’ve had for years,” Arnold said. “We’re anticipating a fire season. Unless we get some significant rain, different weather patterns, and things of that nature similar to what we had 30 years ago in 1991.”
Arnold says they prepped but lean on the volunteer fire departments for help to handle it. Even though there is no statewide ban, Arnold wants the public to be mindful of the weather if you want to burn.
“Use common sense,” Arnold said. “Is the main thing I like to tell people. Just because it rained it a tenth of an inch three days ago and its not not time to burn something when it has been dry for months. We’ll do the best we can. We’ll get through it. Hopefully, the main thing is no one gets hurt.”
Assistant state forester Linda Carnell says the drought is also effecting the trees bringing fall foliage a little earlier. Carnell says if weather holds up and the nights are cooler there is no reason for concern.
“So, it all depends on the weather, but we are looking for a decent fall and a lot of beautiful colors,” Arnold said.
Carnell, who lives in the eastern panhandle, says her tree is turning its colors but it is going straight to brown. She says that some trees do change earlier than so that is normal due to lack of water.
“If we get a good rain right before the leaves start to change, the colors may peek a little more, but in that 7 to 8 week period you are still going to see trees changing at various intervals,” Carnell said.
The state foresters are predicting the peak season for fall foliage is mid-October. The fall fire season does not officially begin until October 1 and runs through December 31st. If you see a fire, call 911 and report it.
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