Firewise

The increasing threat of wildfires to life and property and the continual spread of the population and the wildland urban interface areas throughout the state puts a strain on the local and state resources to suppress wildland fires. The suppression efforts in the wildland urban interface are complicated by the need for the simultaneous suppression of both structural fire and wildfire. The suppression agencies are actively involved in fire prevention efforts with communities but are not solely responsible. It is important for the homeowner to recognize and understand that they are living in a fire prone environment.

Homeowners have a responsibility to prepare for a wildfire before it occurs in order to minimize and/or prevent losses when a fire occurs. Maintaining a green space landscaped with fire resistant vegetation improves the safety zone. The roof, exterior, and attachments to the structures (decks, porches or fences) should all be constructed with fire-resistant materials. Homeowners should also plan for and maintain the access routes to the home for emergency vehicles.

Virginia's natural resources put the wealth into our Commonwealth.         The past, present, and future quality of life and economic prosperity for our citizens is linked to the State's forest resources. The Virginia Department of Forestry is responsible for wildfire protection on private and state forest land. While fire can play a beneficial role in the forest ecosystem, it can also be a destructive force that endangers these natural resources, our property, and even our lives. There is a reason Smokey Bear changed his slogan to "Only You Can Prevent Wildfires"- the destruction of land by fire has expanded beyond just the forest. “Wildfire” refers to ANY uncontrolled, outdoor fire, anywhere.

The loss of our natural resources affects all of us. Trees provide rubber for tires, lumber, and paper. Quinine from trees is the cure for yellow fever, and anti-cancer drugs like Taxol, derived from the bark of a yew tree. One large tree can provide a day's worth of oxygen for four people.

Ninety percent of all wildfires are the result of human negligance.

The number one priority of the VDOF is the suppression of on-going fires. Adequate numbers of trained and qualified personnel, modern equipment, early detection and a high state of readiness are the key elements in the suppression effort. Detection includes the use of aerial detection as well as patrolling of high occurrence areas during critical periods. The Department's Wildfire Readiness and Mobilization Plan provides the framework of preparedness at all levels to ensure adequate respomse based on fire weather and fire occurrences. The use of specialized fire suppression equipment, such as tractor/plow units, helicopter/buckets and all terrain equipment, allows our personnel to commence control operations quickly even in remote areas, keeping fires smaller and easier to extinguish.

By nature, the Department's field personnel are trained and equipped for emergency fire response mobilization. This same training and equipment lends itself equally to non-fire disasters and emergency situations such as storms, flooding and ice damage. VDOF personnel and equipment are strategically located across the entire State with a radio communications system to support a rapid response anywhere. Their unique skills and knowledge make them one of the few emergency response organizations which can function equally well in remote forested sections of the State.