It may have been a wet winter, but local Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) officials warn residents that just a few days of sunlight, low humidity and wind can quickly increase the danger of wildfires, as Saturday marks the start of spring fire season in Virginia.

With the start of fire season comes the state’s 4 p.m. burn law, which goes into effect Saturday, and lasts until April 30. During this time, burning is prohibited before 4 p.m. each day if the fire is in, or within 300 feet of, woodland, brush land or fields containing dry grass or other flammable materials.

Wildfires over the last two years in this region have not been severe, according to area forester Jeff Darr. Though plenty of fires were reported, he said most were minor and area volunteer fire departments were able to put them out without having to call for backup assistance from VDOF.

Darr said Gloucester’s own open burning ordinance, which is more restrictive than t...