wfir-defaultThe U.S. Forest Service is implementing a fire ban until further notice in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, the result of the recent drought conditions. It means no campfires or stove fires outside of developed recreation area, and even then, there are some limitations in those areas. You can still use stoves, lanterns and other equipment that uses liquid fuels.

Montgomery County has joined the list of localities instituting a burn ban. It means any burning of leaves, limbs, bonfires, or anything else outdoors is banned until further notice. It’s the result of the very dry conditions we have encountered in recent weeks. Blacksburg, for instance, has recorded about one-quarter of an inch of rain total in the last 31 days.