Virginia Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Virginia - April 22, 2026

Overview

Virginia is experiencing an elevated fire risk due to an unusually dry first half of April, combined with an early heatwave and persistent long-term drought conditions. Precipitation deficits dating back to last year have left over 99.9% of the state experiencing drought conditions. This weather pattern has significantly increased available dry fuels on the ground—such as dead leaves, brush, and woody debris—creating potentially dangerous situations for wildfires across the Commonwealth.
The current National Preparedness Level for the region is 2.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There is currently significant fire activity across Virginia, driven by recent "red flag" conditions characterized by dry weather, gusty winds, and low relative humidity. So far this year, the Virginia Department of Forestry has suppressed over 350 wildfires that have burned more than 4,200 acres. Firefighters are actively working to contain recent brush fires while maintaining a state of readiness for rapid initial attacks on new starts.

Key Fires:

• Frog Hollow Fire: Located on A.P. Carter Highway near Hiltons in Scott County, this fire has burned approximately 320 acres. It is fully contained, but a smaller crew remains on-site to complete mop-up operations. The fire was fueled by dry brush, dead leaves, and woody debris on the ground. No structures were damaged, and no injuries were reported.
• Batoff Fire: This fire has burned approximately 100 acres and is currently 50% contained. Firefighters are actively working to reinforce containment lines and monitor the perimeter.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: The Virginia Department of Forestry reminds all residents that the official spring fire season and the statewide 4 p.m. Burning Law remain in effect through April 30. Open-air burning is only allowed between 4 p.m. and midnight, provided proper precautions are taken, and no fuels can be added after midnight. However, due to severe fire danger over the last 72 hours, several local Boards of Supervisors—including Albemarle, Greene, Orange, Madison, and Bedford Counties—have enacted stricter, temporary open-air burn bans.

Air Quality: Smoke from recent active fires, such as the Frog Hollow Fire, has previously impacted local air quality and caused temporary school closures. Residents near active fire zones or smoldering areas should remain aware of potential smoke impacts and use caution.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: The region is experiencing an early heatwave and significant drought, rapidly drying out grasses, yard debris, and brush. Relative humidity values have been dropping between 20% and 30%, combining with 10-hour fuel moistures around 10 to 12 percent to create critical fire weather.
Forecasted Weather: A Special Weather Statement is in effect for Increased Fire Danger across Virginia, particularly in the Southwest, Central, and Shenandoah Valley regions. Red Flag Warnings and Fire Danger Advisories warn of winds at 10-15 mph with frequent gusts up to 25 mph. A strong drying trend is expected to continue, and any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly due to the dry, dormant fuels like grasses and tree litter.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are urged to strictly adhere to the 4 p.m. Burning Law and any local burn bans. It is crucial to properly dispose of matches and flammable items, exercise caution with equipment that could create sparks, and keep vehicles off dry grass. Please postpone outdoor burning when conditions are dry or windy, as small fires can spread rapidly and threaten homes, property, and lives in a matter of minutes.
Resource Allocation: Firefighters are observing weather and drought conditions daily to maintain a state of readiness for quick response to wildfires. The Virginia Department of Forestry is equipped to initiate its spring fire season readiness plan and manage large wildfire scenarios as they develop.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Virginia Department of Forestry: dof.virginia.gov

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.