The Virginia Department of Forestry reminds everyone that the fall fire season has arrived. From now through November, the VDOF cautions, be extra careful when burning yard debris, or enjoying a campfire or backyard fire pit.

Low humidity and windy conditions, along with dry grasses and fallen leaves, combine this time of year to create favorable conditions for wildfires to spark and spread quickly, according to a VDOF release. During years of dry summers—such as this one—wildfires are even more common.

“Most of Virginia had a very dry summer which causes leaves to fall earlier,” said Chief of Fire and Emergency Response John Miller.

“Unfortunately, these factors only improve conditions for wildfires to occur. However, with basic fire safety measures, we can stop most wildfires before they start. It’s just like Smokey Bear says, ‘Only You Can Prevent Wildfires.’”

In Virginia, more than 75 percent of wildfires are human caused, with escaped debris burns being the leading ca...