DELMARVA – Wildfires are becoming an increasing concern across Delmarva as severe drought conditions persist, prompting fire officials to warn residents of the heightened risk of outdoor fires.
Two brush fires broke out Thursday, several hours apart.
The first fire ignited early Thursday afternoon in a remote, densely wooded area between Westover and Pocomoke in Somerset County, Maryland. Firefighters faced challenges reaching the blaze because of its location, allowing it to spread unchecked for several hours.
John Barnett, president of the Somerset County Volunteer Chiefs Association, was among the first responders on the scene with the Mount Vernon Fire Company.
"It's only going to get worse,” Barnett said. “Long-range forecast is not very encouraging as far as precipitation goes."
Barnett said aerial assistance from WBOC’s Chopper 16 played a key role in helping crews locate and access the fire.
"With the assistance of Chopper 16 aviation, we were able to narrow it down to an area where we could gain access,” he said.
Barnett said state forestry officials remained on scene until dark and are expected to continue monitoring the area in the coming day as the contained fire burns itself out.
A second brush fire broke out near Hallwood in Accomack County, Virginia, on Thursday evening. While Accomack County is not currently under a burn ban, local officials are urging residents to exercise caution when burning outdoors.
Public Safety Director Charles Pruitt said residents should notify authorities before starting any planned burns.
"If you do choose to set a fire, to burn some rubbish or whatever,” Pruitt said. “Please, first thing call the 911 center."
The county's non-emergency line can be reached at (757) 787-0911. Altering this line allows emergency officials to track planned fires and reduce unnecessary emergency responses.
Pruitt also encouraged residents to keep firefighting equipment readily available and to fully extinguish any fires before leaving them unattended.
"Have an extinguisher nearby, whether it be a fire extinguisher or a water hose, and thoroughly put the fire out,” Pruitt said.
No official word on a cause for either of those fires yet. Somerset County remains under a burn ban.
