The Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) firmly believes that it is more effective to focus a few resources on fire prevention rather than many resources of fire suppression. The agency has a long history of prevention education – helping citizens understand how to prevent a wildfire from starting and spreading.
Wildfire prevention actions are typically focused on preventing unwanted debris-burning fire escapes – Virginia’s leading cause of wildfires. VDOF supports careful outdoor burning completed in a safe and lawful manner. Citizens are urged to always monitor the weather and to take extra precautions with any outdoor fire, to ensure that it remains under control.
VDOF uses at least two key programs to raise the awareness of wildfire prevention.
- The Firewise Virginia program works with Virginia homeowners and communities to reduce their potential threat from fire through proper wildfire preparation.
- Smokey Bear programs highlight fire and campfire safety with a special emphasis on Virginia youth.
Before Your Burn
Burning yard trimmings or leaves is a common practice, but a dangerous one. Winds can blow burning yard waste and embers far off site and ignite combustible vegetation. Fall and spring are ideal times to reduce excess vegetation around your home that could pose an escaped fire threat.
Read more about burning safely before you burn.
How You Can Prevent Wildfires
Nine out of ten wildfires are caused by humans. That means nine out of ten wildfires can be prevented.
Unlike many natural disasters, most wildfires are caused by people – and can be prevented by people, too. The easiest and cheapest way to suppress a fire is before it starts.
Read more about how you can prevent wildfires.
Smokey Bear
Smokey Bear has been the voice of fire prevention for many years. Popular with young and old alike, his messages encouraging fire safety and being careful with fire remain relevant in our efforts to prevent wildfires.
Read more about Smokey Bear in Virginia.
Additional Resources
Learn about any current county burn restrictions, view VDOF’s Burn Ban Map.
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